Surrey’s Milan Mann becomes co-owner of the Vancouver Bandits, turning childhood basketball dreams into a big league reality.

From Driveway Courts to Pro Basketball Ownership

Growing up in Surrey, Milan Mann never imagined owning a pro basketball team yet here he is, making that exact dream happen. He spent his early days in Fleetwood tossing basketballs with friends in the driveway. He wasn’t a superstar, yet he loved every minute on the court. That passion never faded. Now, it has turned into something bigger.

A Dream That Wouldn’t Go Away

Milan once joked, “If I can’t be Kobe, I’ll try to be Dr. Buss.” And now that line feels prophetic. Recently, he was officially announced as the third co-owner of the Vancouver Bandits, joining Kevin Dhaliwal and Bryan Slusarchuk. The team plays at the Langley Events Centre and competes in the Canadian Elite Basketball League.

Moreover, since the Bandits moved from Abbotsford in 2022, the franchise has taken major steps forward. In fact, it even earned the 2025 CEBL Franchise of the Year award. Meanwhile, Milan had already been a sponsor and courtside fan. Eventually, talks about ownership began. Then, after years of discussion, everything was signed and sealed this September.

Why He Joined the Team

Milan works in construction and real estate, yet basketball never left his heart. Therefore, investing in the Bandits felt natural. He didn’t talk numbers. Instead, he talked vision. According to him, the real return is community. Additionally, he wants to grow the game locally.

Furthermore, he hopes young talent in B.C. will rise. Maybe one day, a future NBA star will come from Vancouver. And if the Bandits can help make that happen, he considers that a win.

Building More Than a Team

Bandits team president Dylan Kular described Milan as “a builder of community.” Additionally, he believes Milan adds major energy to the franchise. Eventually, the goal is clear: bring home the team’s first CEBL championship.

Anyone who attends a Bandits game usually leaves excited. And Milan wants even more fans to feel that way. Moreover, he wants kids to discover basketball just like he did. After all, he remembers seeing the Vancouver Grizzlies as a child. Now, he gets to give that memorable moment to the next generation.

Full Circle

Today, Milan lives in Aldergrove. Back then, he played Steve Nash youth basketball in Surrey. Now, he’s shaping pro basketball in B.C. Consequently, the journey feels unreal to him. However, it’s real and it’s happening fast.

He said it best: “I’m just 25 years ahead of another kid seeing their first basketball game.” And that, perhaps, is the real story.

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