The Vancouver Bandits of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) have added prominent B.C. business leader Milan Mann, President of The BM Group, to their ownership group, marking a significant expansion of the franchise’s investment and vision for basketball in British Columbia.
Bandits Sports & Entertainment (BSE) announced Monday that Mann has officially become an investor in both the Bandits and the CEBL, strengthening the franchise’s ties to the local business and sports community.
Mann, who has led The BM Group for more than a decade, is widely recognized for his influence in construction, land development, and real estate. The BM Group, headquartered in B.C.’s Lower Mainland, operates across Canada, the United States and Southeast Asia.
“It is a privilege and a dream come true to give back to the sport and community that have given me so much,” Mann said. “Basketball is a powerful unifier, and I’ve seen firsthand how the Bandits bring people together. I’m grateful to join the team and contribute to the vision of growing the game, elevating our culture and inspiring the next generation.”
Dylan Kular, President of the Vancouver Bandits, said Mann’s arrival adds momentum to the franchise’s long-term growth strategy.
“Milan is the definition of a builder, not just in business but in community,” Kular said. “He has seen what Bandits Basketball means to this province, and his commitment aligns with our mission to grow the game in B.C. We’re thrilled to welcome him to the ownership group.”
Mann joins an ownership team that includes Kevin Dhaliwal, Founder and President of Essence Properties, and Bryan Slusarchuk, Principal of SluzCap. Dhaliwal and Slusarchuk purchased the Bandits in 2022 and have since overseen the team’s rapid progress both on and off the court.
The announcement comes as the Bandits continue to receive national recognition. Over the past two seasons, the club has earned five CEBL Business Awards, including:
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Franchise of the Year (2025)
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Digital Excellence Award (2024)
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Community Champion Award (2024 & 2025)
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Executive of the Year (2025, Dylan Kular)
The Bandits have also collected top basketball honours, including back-to-back Most Valuable Player, Canadian Player of the Year, and Coach of the Year awards.
With excitement building around the franchise’s future, the Bandits have opened sales for Season Tickets and Jam Packs ahead of the 2026 CEBL season, which tips off in May. More information is available at thebandits.ca.
