Two familiar foes join BSL for Year 2

The Pontiac Pharaohs and Glass City Wranglers have joined the Basketball Super League to make it an 8-team circuit for the 2024-25 season. The London Lightning — and all their foes — will tip things off in November.

The Pontiac Pharaohs take on the London Lightning Feb. 7, 2024 at Budweiser Gardens. (Photo: Barry Field Photography).

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Basketball Super League (BSL) officials hope that eight is great as the league heads into its sophomore season this fall.

The Pontiac Pharaohs and Glass City Wranglers have made the leap to the BSL, league officials announced. The squads will join the BSL Original Six – London Lightning, KW Titans, Sudbury Five, Windsor Express, Newfoundland Rogues, and Montreal Tundra – when the league returns for its second season in November.

“This was always intended to be an international between the U.S. and Canada – so this growth shows that,” Lightning GM Mark Frijia said. “We’re looking forward to another year, playing some exciting games for our fans, and competing for a championship like we try to do every year. We want to put on a good show for our fans and be as competitive as we can be, and bringing new teams into the league is a big part of that.”

Founded in 2022, the Pharaohs started play in Lansing. Mich., in The Basketball League (TBL), before moving to Pontiac, Mich., following the 2023 season. The Lightning are 3-0 all-time against the Pharaohs, most recently winning 122-105 on Feb. 7 in London.

“Going into our third season (second in Pontiac), it’s exciting to be a part of the growth and expansion from our time spent in The Basketball League (TBL) to the BSL,” said Chris Jackson, Pharaohs Owner and President. “I’m fortunate to be able to bring professional basketball to my hometown as our city continues to rebuild and redefine itself. We don’t take being part of Pontiac’s foundation for granted and can only hope to continue to add value to the city that gave so much to me.”

Evelyn Magley, BSL/TBL CEO, said that the league has been impressed with the Pharaohs’ commitment to growth and believes that Jackson and his organization are primed to not only make the move but prosper in the BSL.

Founded as Toledo Glass City BC in 2020, the Wranglers played a single season in the Premier Basketball League (PBL), followed by two seasons in the TBL, before making this latest move. The Lightning are 1-0 all-time against the Wranglers, winning 127-95 on March 10 in the lone matchup in London.

Action from the London's Lightning's game against the Glass City Wranglers on March 10, 2024 at Bud Gardens. (Video: Owen Price Photography).

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“This is not just about basketball; it’s about creating new opportunities for Toledo,” said Joshua Radtkin, Glass City owner. “The Wranglers are proud to represent our city in the Basketball Super League. Our success on the court is intrinsically linked to the success of our community, and we are dedicated to helping Toledo thrive.”

David Magley, BSL President, said the Toledo, Ohio-based franchise has demonstrated impressive growth in both on-court and off-court experience for fans.

“They are well on their way to becoming a key player on the national stage,” he said. “Their commitment to being a community asset, particularly through youth support and visibility in the greater Toledo area, is commendable. The energy and support from the Toledo market is palpable, and we believe they will establish themselves as a formidable force in sports and entertainment.”

While the 2024-25 season lineup is set, BSL expansion might not be over yet, as the league identified several new markets at its annual meeting earlier this summer for future seasons.

Official 2024-25 schedules will be released Sept. 1.