The Montreal Alliance has brought back a familiar face to lead their organization, appointing former Montreal Alouettes CEO Mark Weightman as the team's governor in the Canadian Elite Basketball League.
From Football to Basketball Leadership
The basketball club made the significant announcement on Friday, marking Weightman's return to the organization he helped establish. This move comes just months after his departure from the Alouettes in March 2025, where the team eliminated his position as president and CEO.
Weightman originally served as Alliance governor back in 2021 during the team's formative years. His reappointment represents what the organization describes as "a crucial step in the growth of the Montreal Alliance" as they seek to strengthen their leadership structure.
A Seasoned Sports Executive Returns
Weightman brings extensive sports management experience to his new role with the basketball franchise. His history with the Alouettes spans multiple decades, beginning in 1996 when he first joined the football organization in various front-office positions.
His leadership journey includes serving as Alouettes CEO from 2013 to 2016 and again from 2023 to 2025. Between these two stints with the CFL team, Weightman demonstrated his versatility by leading hockey operations for both the Laval Rocket and Trois-Rivières Lions organizations.
Building Basketball in Montreal
In the team's official statement, Weightman expressed enthusiasm about his return to the basketball scene. "I am proud to return to the Montreal Alliance, an organization that I helped build and that has tremendous potential," he stated.
He emphasized the growing popularity of basketball in the region, noting that "basketball is experiencing phenomenal growth in Quebec" and outlining the team's ambition to "establish the Alliance as a lasting pillar in Montreal's sports landscape."
The leadership change comes approximately two months after the Alliance parted ways with president Jo-Annie Charbonneau, who had held the position for just over a year. At that time, the organization indicated it would be implementing "changes to its leadership structure," paving the way for Weightman's return to the basketball franchise.
This appointment signals the Montreal Alliance's commitment to leveraging experienced sports leadership as they continue to establish their presence in Montreal's competitive professional sports market and within the growing Canadian Elite Basketball League.
