Mr. Claudio Leal has been appointed the First Commissioner of the BPBL.
Following previous announcements that the league would be divided into two divisions, the BPBL is now announcing that each division will be assigned a dedicated deputy commissioner. Each deputy will receive what Belizeans like to say, “a piece ah di pie”(translation: a piece of the pie), in terms of their role in leadership. Both men being Belizean born and basketball raised, the BPBL announces Francis Arzu and Amir Garcia as their Deputy Commissioners.
“I accepted the call to be the first commissioner for the Belize Premier Basketball League, a league which I believe will change and shift the whole understanding of what it means to play professional basketball in Belize. I believe that I will bring a level of high-standards and moral; the commissinor’s office will not compromise on holding the teams to those high-standards. We believe that if we can set the stage for us to use the top performers in our country, we will expand the league to the point where we go international. I truly believe that the possibilities are endless when it comes to basketball in Belize. “
-Claudio Leal
“As Deputy Commissioner of the Belize Premier Basketball League, I, Francis Arzu, am honored to serve in a role dedicated to the growth, professionalism, and competitive integrity of basketball in Belize. My responsibilities include supporting league operations, facilitating team and player development, ensuring compliance with league standards, and strengthening community engagement through the sport.
My goal is to help elevate the standard of basketball nationwide by fostering a league that is well-organized, inclusive, and sustainable. I aim to enhance the visibility of Belizean talent, create opportunities for youth participation, and build strong partnerships that will contribute to the long-term success of the league. Through collaboration and commitment, I believe we can continue building a Elite basketball platform that inspires pride both on and off the court.”
-Francis Arzu
“Hi, my name is Amir Garcia from Belize City. I will be filling the role of 2nd Deputy in the commissioner’s office in the league. My delegated role will be to be one of the eyes of the commissioner to ensure smooth running, transparency, and impartiality in the league. I am grateful for this role and position as I bring a wealth of knowledge, love, passion, and teamwork to basketball and the commissioner’s office. I’m looking forward to a great season with clean and highly competitive spirits from the teams.”
-Amir Garcia
With these two deputies sitting on the wing, the BPBL found it to be crucial that they find a “Floor General”, that can create plays and open lanes for this team so that they can succeed. In their search, the BPBL has appointed Claudio Leal as its league commissioner.
The Belizean public has expressed great concern about the stability of this league and whether district teams would be able to compete or even finish a season. When questioned about these concerns Commissioner Leal says:
“The Belize Premier Basketball League structure and format that is in place will definitely bring a high level of entertainment to each of these districts and communities. We have three new teams [Corozal Cerros Suns, Belize City Thunderbolts, and Belmopan Capital City Kings] this year that brings excitement. People are talking about it from the mere fact that nothing is happening in professional basketball in Belize… Even though Belize city is the hub, we believe that each one of these districts can bring something to the level of basketball in Belize… But the structure and the management team that is in place for the BPBL is the significant difference for this new league. No doubt about that!”
– Claudio Leal
The Belize Premier Basketball League is doing all that it can to create a sustainable league and build responsibly so that the league can last as long as possible with Belizean basketball players as the forefront of the product. League managers believe that this commisioner’s office is the team that will do so. All roads lead to May 16, 2025, for the opening night, and this three headed Jaguar is ready to dominate.
A Belizean Semi-Professional Basketball League
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