Winnipeg Thunder Explained

Winnipeg Thunder
Leagues:World Basketball League (1992)
National Basketball League (1993–1994)
Founded:1992
History:Winnipeg Thunder
1992–1994
Arena:Winnipeg Arena
Capacity:12,393
Location:Winnipeg, Manitoba
Colours:Black, teal, white, silver
Owners:Sam Katz and John Loewen
Coach:Tom Nissalke
Championships:0
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Div Champs:0

The Winnipeg Thunder was a professional basketball franchise based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, from 1992 to 1994. The Thunder played its inaugural season in the World Basketball League, which folded before the schedule ended. The club then joined the nascent National Basketball League, where it played for the 1993 and 1994 seasons.[1]

The Thunder enjoyed considerable public and corporate support at the outset, which later dwindled due in part to league instability and increased competition in the local minor-league sports market, following the establishment of the Winnipeg Goldeyes baseball club. The club's financial backers included Sam Katz and John Loewen.

The Thunder played its home games at the Winnipeg Arena. It would eventually be succeeded by the Winnipeg Cyclone, which represented the city in the International Basketball Association from 1995 to 2001.

Team information

Mascots

The Thunder's mascots were Kaboom and Baby Boom.

Season by Season record

WBL

Season[2] GP W L GBL Finish Playoffs
1992371522136th WBLNo playoffs due to league disbanding on August 1, 1992
Totals371522
NBL
Season[3] GP W L GBL Finish Playoffs
199346291712nd NBLLost 3-2 in the NBL Semifinals to the Saskatoon Slam
199425101576th NBLLeague disbanded mid season July 9, 1994
Totals713932Playoff record 2–3

Notes and References

  1. http://www.apbr.org/nbl9394.html NBL Statistics
  2. Web site: History of the World Basketball League . 2023-07-20 . Association for Professional Basketball Research.
  3. Web site: National Basketball League (1993-1994) . 2023-07-20 . Association for Professional Basketball Research.