I hope that all of you are enjoying the holiday season with family and friends. Team registration opened on Dec 1 and we have had an active month in regards to team entries, inquiries and we formalized an exciting new partnership with the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort & Spa that will be the ideal "beachfront home" for many of you during our tournament week.

I want to thank our Team Organizers, who are the backbone of our tournament.  Team entries started coming in since day one.  While many teams have played in past MBA National Championships, we have also seen the addition and interest from new teams.  There has also been a very noticeable increase from players looking for a team in most of our age groups.  We have been featuring a new "free agent" in our monthly newsletters and we expect to have all Players Looking for a Team up to date on the web site by the first of the year. If you are one of the players looking for a team and would like to put together your own team, the Players Looking for a Team list is a great place to start. If you need assistance in becoming a Team Organizer, I am here to help you.  You can contact me at steve@mastershoops.org.

Please remember that as teams register, I assign a number to the entry, and to the Team Organizer.  A team is fully entered when a team roster of at least eight (8) players is submitted, the team fee and the uniform deposit is paid. My advice is the sooner you register your team, the better your odds are to lock in your spot for the tournament. Early registration is $725 per team until March 4th. After March 4, the team registration increases to $800.  Team registration closes on April 1.

Each year we look into ways to enhance our tournament.  This year one of our biggest upgrades is our new "Preferred Beachfront Hotel" partner, the Ft. Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort & Spa.  This resort offers a fantastic beachfront location, great amenities for those traveling alone or with spouses and children, at a great MBA special rate.  In addition to the multiple pool areas, they offer a state-of-the-art fitness center with inspiring ocean views, a full service spa, a recreation area with games and of course beach amenities.  Details on the discount rates and how to reserve your room are listed below in this newsletter. 

By supporting our partners, you support our tournament, and this in turn helps us maintain the high levels you have come to expect from the Masters Basketball Association.