Saint John appears to be close to landing a professional basketball team, as city officials hammer out a lease deal that will allow the Manchester Millrats to relocate into New Brunswick.

Several members of the New Hampshire-based Manchester Millrats, who play in the Premier Basketball League, were in Saint John on the weekend scouting the southern New Brunswick city as a relocation possibility for the basketball team.

'We view ourselves as a global city. It would be nice to welcome the world through sport.'— Bob Manning, Enterprise Saint John

Saint John officials say the two sides are close to signing a one-year lease to see the team play next season at Harbour Station.

Owners of the Millrats say they're happy with Saint John's location and the Harbour Station venue.

Mike Caddell, the general manager of Harbour Station, said contract details have been worked out but it will still be a number of days before a final deal can be signed.

The organization is seeking a one-year lease agreement for 2011 and will look for a longer term arrangement in the future.

Caddell said he's excited to have another sports team play in Harbour Station. The venue is also home to the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League's Saint John Sea Dogs.

Caddell said exhibition basketball games could begin as early as December.

"I think it's great, another tenant in the building, [it] helps our bottom line," Caddell said.

"We do have 10 home games, two or three exhibition games, hopefully a playoff run. So you'd be looking at another 15 to 17 event nights."

The Manchester Millrats are a part of the nine-team professional men's basketball league, which includes teams from Canada, the United States and Puerto Rico.

Most of the players in the professional league come from U.S. Division One schools or other professional leagues.

There are currently nine teams in the league, including the Quebec Kebs, Puerto Rico Capitanes, Vermont Frost Heaves, Lawton-Fort Sill Calvary and Buffalo Stampede.

Global city

Bob Manning, chairman of Enterprise Saint John, was part of the weekend meetings with the Millrats' owners and he said Saint John's chances of landing the professional basketball team are good.

"We view ourselves as a global city. It would be nice to welcome the world through sport here also," Manning said.

Before the final contract can be signed, Manning said some minor issues have to be worked out, such contracts with the venue, getting set up as a Canadian entity and visa issues for players.