TV star and Alberta entrepreneur Manjit Minhas and her brother Ravinder Minhas have become the first female owners in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) by joining the ownership group of the Edmonton Stingers. The siblings were inspired to get involved after attending a game in Edmonton and being impressed by the elite level of basketball play, family-friendly atmosphere, and community support. They are now managing partners of the Stingers and investors in the CEBL, joining Taranvir (Tank) Vander and James Burns of Stingers Entertainment Group. The Minhas siblings, co-founders of Minhas Breweries & Distilleries, bring a history of success in Alberta business and a dedication to the growth of basketball in Canada.
The CEBL currently consists of 10 teams across Canada, with hopes of expanding the league, recruiting more Canadian players, and increasing its presence. The Minhas siblings are excited to become more involved in the community and promote diversity of ownership in sports. They believe it is important for young boys and girls to have role models in elite sports and leadership positions. Manjit emphasizes the importance of representation and inspiring young people to pursue their passions without limits, demonstrating that there are no glass ceilings in their way. She wants to show her own daughters and other young individuals that they can be involved in sports, have a say, and make a difference.
Looking ahead, the Stingers ownership group is focused on providing Stingers fans with a fun and successful experience. Ravinder expresses confidence in the team’s future, promising a championship and improvements in the offerings of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages at games. The Stingers are gearing up for their 2024 season opener against the Calgary Surge, which will be nationally televised from the Scotiabank Saddledome. Their first home game will take place on June 2 against the Saskatchewan Rattlers, further engaging the community and building excitement for the season. The Minhas siblings are enthusiastic about the future of the Stingers and look forward to contributing to their success on and off the court.
Overall, the involvement of Manjit and Ravinder Minhas in the CEBL represents a significant milestone for female ownership in sports and highlights the importance of diverse representation in leadership positions. Their background in Alberta business and passion for basketball make them valuable additions to the Stingers and the league as a whole. The siblings are committed to promoting youth participation in sports and inspiring the next generation to pursue their dreams without limitations. With a focus on community engagement, growth of the CEBL, and providing fans with an enjoyable experience, the Minhas siblings are poised to make a meaningful impact on the league and encourage others to follow in their footsteps. Their dedication to breaking barriers and creating opportunities for others demonstrates the transformative power of women in sports ownership.
