The National Basketball League of Canada has approved a new franchise based in Oshawa, Ont., for its inaugural season.

The expansion franchise will join the league’s founding teams – the Halifax Rainmen, Saint John Mill Rats and Quebec Kebs – when the league tips off its 36-game schedule in early November.

The team, which will be named via an online contest, will play out of the 5,113-seat General Motors Centre, home of the Oshawa Generals junior hockey team.

The six-figure franchise fee has been paid, the lease agreement signed and a basketball floor is being purchased, according to interim league president Andre Levingston.

“It’s one step closer to the goal,” Levingston said. “We’re excited about the (ownership) group, the city of Oshawa and we’re looking forward to them, and everybody, playing in the league this year.”

The four-man ownership group features Toronto actor Mark Taylor, who appeared on the television show Flashpoint as Lewis Young and in Student Bodies as Romeo.

It’s hoped additional expansion franchises will be established in Moncton, N.B., London, Ont., and somewhere on Prince Edward Island.

Levingston said another team is expected to be confirmed today.