Canada Basketball is advancing its national program with a $100 million funding initiative, which includes a $76 million investment from the federal government and support from Ontario's provincial government. The project involves constructing a state-of-the-art training headquarters at Humber Polytechnic’s North Campus in Toronto, set to break ground next year. The facility, named The Hub, will feature six gyms focused on player development and team cohesion.
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This initiative reflects a significant shift towards a European-style sports philosophy, which emphasizes state-funded national training centers like France’s renowned INSEP system for developing elite athletes. The Hub aims to provide a dedicated space to nurture current and future basketball talent in Canada.
Adam van Koeverden, the Secretary of State for Sport, highlighted the project's significance, stating it is 'the single largest investment in basketball ever in this country.'
Players have expressed enthusiasm for the new facility. Toronto Raptors guard RJ Barrett noted that he has spent a lot of time at the existing facilities, saying, "This place has always felt like home for Canada Basketball.”
Team captain Kelly Olynyk emphasized the importance of a centralized training location, stating, “To have one place where you guys could meet up and train together, with or without coaches, is a big deal.”
Currently, Canada is competing for a spot in the FIBA World Cup 2027, boasting an impressive 8–0 record in Group F of the Americas Qualifiers.