Milan Mann Joins Vancouver Bandits Ownership Group

Bandits Staff • November 16, 2025

Vancouver Bandits and Bandits Sports & Entertainment (BSE), owners of the Vancouver Bandits basketball team and shareholders in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), is pleased to announce that Milan Mann, President of The BM Group, has joined the ownership team.


A prominent figure in BC’s construction and real estate ecosystem, Mann has spent over a decade at the helm of the locally-owned construction firm. The
BM Group represents a portfolio of construction services, project management, material supply and land development companies. Headquartered in British Columbia and primarily serving the Lower Mainland, The BM Group also has expanded operations and significant holdings in other parts of Canada, the USA and South East Asia. 


"It is a privilege and a dream come true to give back to the sport and community that have given me so much. Basketball is a powerful unifier, a vital part of every community’s infrastructure and cultural fabric,” said Mann. “As a community partner and season ticket holder for a few seasons, I have seen the Bandits embody that spirit. The in-game energy and passion from Bandits fans prove that the CEBL is not just entertaining but engaging, competitive, and growing fast, with the Bandits leading that charge. I am grateful to join the existing team and to contribute to the Bandits’ vision on and off the court. With our fans, partners, and community, we have the opportunity to grow the game, strengthen our culture, and inspire the next generation. Go Bandits."


“Milan is the definition of a builder, not just in business but in community,” said Dylan Kular, President, Vancouver Bandits. “He believes in the power of sport to unite people and elevate a region. He has been in our building, he has been in our community, and he has seen firsthand what Bandits Basketball means to this province. Milan coming on board is more fuel to our mission: to grow the game, elevate basketball in BC, and create a franchise our province is proud of. We are thrilled to welcome him into the ownership group as we take our next step.”


Mann joins Kevin Dhaliwal, Founder and President of
Essence Properties, and Bryan Slusarchuk, Principal of SluzCap, in the Bandits ownership group. Since purchasing the Vancouver Bandits in September 2022, Dhaliwal and Slusarchuk have helped guide the club through meaningful progress both on and off the court.


This announcement comes on the heels of the Bandits earning five CEBL Business Awards in the past two seasons, including Franchise of the Year (2025), the Digital Excellence Award (2024), the Community Champion Award (2024 & 2025) and Executive of the Year (2025, Dylan Kular). The Bandits are regarded as one of the premier franchises in the CEBL, also earning back-to-back CEBL basketball awards, including Most Valuable Player (2024, Tazé Moore; 2025, Mitch Creek), Canadian Player of the Year (2024, Koby McEwen; 2025, Tyrese Samuel) and Coach of the Year (2024 & 2025, Kyle Julius).


Season Tickets and Jam Packs are on sale now for the upcoming 2026 season, slated to tip off in early May. More information can be found at
thebandits.ca.

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By Bandits Staff December 24, 2025
The following is a letter to Vancouver Bandits fans from Dylan Kular, Bandits team president: As the year comes to a close, we want to take a moment to thank the entire Bandits Basketball community for another unforgettable season. In 2025, you once again proved why this organization is built on more than basketball. It’s built on people, connection, and belief. From the energy inside Langley Events Centre to the impact we continue to make in schools, gyms, and neighbourhoods across British Columbia, this year reinforced what makes the Bandits special. Together, we’ve continued to grow the game, strengthen our community roots, and push forward with purpose both on and off the court. Your passion, loyalty, and support fuel everything we do. It’s felt by our players, our staff, our partners, and every young person who connects with the game through the Bandits. We don’t take that responsibility lightly. As we turn the page to 2026, we do so with momentum, ambition, and a deep sense of gratitude. Thank you for believing in this journey and for standing with us every step of the way. From all of us at Vancouver Bandits Basketball, we wish you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season, and a healthy, successful New Year. Thank you for being the heartbeat of our organization. Together, we move forward. With gratitude, Dylan Kular Team President, Vancouver Bandits
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By Bandits Staff December 11, 2025
The Vancouver Bandits of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) have teamed up with Envision Financial , a division of First West Credit Union, in a groundbreaking partnership that redefines the fan experience and deepens community connections. Under this multi-faceted agreement, the Bandits’ home court at Langley Events Centre will officially be known as “Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre.” This move marks a significant milestone in the Bandits’ growth and underscores Envision Financial’s deep commitment to the communities of British Columbia. The relationship extends well beyond venue naming, aligning both organizations around culture, youth development, and community engagement. “This partnership with Envision Financial represents an investment in the long-term growth of basketball in British Columbia,” said Dylan Kular, President of the Vancouver Bandits. “Their values align deeply with our commitment to community, accessibility, and creating meaningful experiences for families across British Columbia.” Beyond the naming rights, the partnership delivers impact: Heritage Series: Co-presented by Envision Financial, these marquee game nights will honour Indigenous, South Asian and Filipino communities, creating vibrant cultural celebrations for fans. School Tour: Envision Financial joins the Bandits Community Foundation to expand youth leadership and basketball education. Last season, the program visited 77 schools and hosted 12 free coaches’ clinics. “Partnering with the Vancouver Bandits is about creating something meaningful together, " says Tamara Hendsbee, President at Envision Financial. “By bringing culture and sport to the forefront, we can help communities flourish and open doors for youth to learn and grow. Naming the court is just the beginning; through the Heritage Series and School Tour, we’re proud to work alongside the Bandits to deliver experiences that unite fans and build stronger communities across British Columbia.”  This upcoming season the Bandits will carry forward this strategic collaboration with Envision Financial as a cornerstone of their game-day identity, cultural engagement and community legacy.
By Bandits Staff December 2, 2025
Vancouver Bandits team president Dylan Kular has been named a recipient of a 2025 B.C. Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Annual Award, announced by the Government of B.C. on Tuesday. The annual awards celebrate people and organizations that demonstrate leadership in promoting multiculturalism, anti-racism and intercultural understanding. Nearly 50 people and organizations were nominated for 2025 awards, recognizing contributions to building inclusive communities. In addition to Kular, three people and one organization are also receiving the B.C. Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Awards for their exceptional efforts to fight racism and promote inclusion in British Columbia. “These award recipients exemplify the values of inclusion and respect that strengthen our province,” said Niki Sharma, Attorney General. “Their leadership and creativity are inspiring. I am proud to honour their exceptional efforts to break down barriers, foster inclusion and build stronger, more equitable communities across British Columbia.” Kular was named a recipient of the “Breaking Barriers” award, which recognizes individuals and organizations for their work in tackling systemic or institutional racism and reducing barriers for marginalized communities. “It is an honour to receive this recognition from the Government of B.C . This award truly reflects the collective efforts of our entire organization,” said Kular. “Our team ownership group provides the leadership that empowers our organization to build and foster meaningful change. The Vancouver Bandits and Bandits Community Foundation are committed to continue breaking barriers and connecting communities across B.C. through the sport of basketball.” Under Kular’s leadership in 2025, which saw him earn CEBL Executive of the Year honours for a league-record third time, the Vancouver Bandits led efforts in building inclusive communities through sports and partnerships with Indigenous organizations and diverse populations across the province. Through partnerships and initiatives through the Bandits Community Foundation , such as the Indigenous Basketball Collective , in collaboration with the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (I-SPARC) and the Junior All Native Tournament (JANT). Kular and the Bandits worked to address systemic barriers and foster meaningful engagement, particularly for individuals with intersecting identities and those in remote areas. “Advancing anti-racism and intercultural trust requires courage, collaboration and commitment,” said Amna Shah, parliamentary secretary for anti-racism initiatives. “These honourees demonstrate all three values through their actions every day. Their efforts to break down barriers and amplify marginalized voices are making a real difference in schools, workplaces and communities across B.C. I am deeply grateful for their leadership and inspired by the positive change they continue to drive.” The B.C. Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Awards are part of the government’s broader efforts to counter hate and racism by celebrating and empowering local, community-based advocates. Since launching in 2008, more than 60 individuals and organizations have been honoured. Other initiatives include: an anti-hate community support fund that supports marginalized and at-risk groups with funding for security equipment, graffiti removal and repairs to damaged property the Resilience BC Anti-Racism Network that connects communities with the information, supports and training they need to respond to and prevent future incidents of racism and hate the B.C. Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Grants, which provide funding to support projects that tackle racial inequity and foster intercultural understanding throughout the province the Racist Incident Helpline, which partners with local organizations to connect people who have experienced racism with resources to help them heal

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