Basketball Manitoba is announcing an upcoming change to its Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) specialty licence plate program, with the current basketball-themed design set to be phased out over the coming month and an exciting new design scheduled to be unveiled in late November.
First introduced in 2017, the Basketball Manitoba specialty licence plate has become a recognizable way for Manitobans to show their support for basketball while contributing to an important charitable initiative. Since its launch, more than 4,000 plates have been sold, generating approximately $120,000 for Basketball Manitoba’s Basketball For Life Fund.
The fund helps reduce financial barriers for children and youth across Manitoba by providing assistance with basketball registration, participation and equipment costs.
A New Design Is Coming
After nearly a decade featuring the familiar orange basketball and court-inspired design, Basketball Manitoba is preparing to introduce a new look for its specialty licence plate.
The redesigned plate will maintain the program’s charitable purpose while introducing a fresh visual identity intended to generate renewed interest and broaden its reach across Manitoba.
The new design will be officially revealed on Monday, November 23, 2026.
The announcement will include the first public look at the redesigned plate, details about the initiative and information for Manitoba motorists interested in purchasing one.
Original Plate Design Available for a Limited Time
With the upcoming transition, MPI will discontinue production of the original Basketball Manitoba specialty licence plate design.
A limited supply of the current design remains available for purchase through participating Autopac brokers and MPI service centres while inventory lasts.
Importantly, all existing Basketball Manitoba specialty licence plates will remain valid indefinitely. Current plate holders will not be required to replace their plates and may continue displaying them on their registered vehicles.
The change affects the design offered for future purchases, not the validity of plates already issued.
New Plates Available December 1
Beginning Tuesday, December 1, 2026, Manitobans will be able to purchase or order the redesigned specialty licence plates through more than 300 Autopac brokers across the province.
The purchase price will remain $70 per set, including GST, with $30 from every purchase directed to Basketball Manitoba’s Basketball For Life Fund.
The existing “BK” plate-number series will continue under the redesigned program.
Motorists who already own another specialty licence plate will also have the option of purchasing the new design and switching between their plate sets. A $15 transfer fee applies each time a vehicle’s active plates are changed through an Autopac broker or MPI service centre.
Continuing to Support Youth Basketball
Although the plate’s appearance is changing, its purpose remains the same: supporting opportunities for children and youth to participate in basketball throughout Manitoba.
The specialty licence plate program has provided an ongoing source of charitable funding since 2017, helping Basketball Manitoba expand access to the sport and reduce participation barriers for families.
The upcoming redesign represents the next chapter in that commitment.
Upcoming Dates
- Now through November 2026: Limited remaining inventory of the original Basketball Manitoba plate design available while supplies last.
- November 23, 2026: Official unveiling and public announcement of the new specialty licence plate design.
- December 1, 2026: New plates become available to purchase or order through more than 300 Manitoba Autopac brokers.
- Beyond December 1: All previously issued Basketball Manitoba specialty plates remain valid for continued use.
Basketball Manitoba encourages supporters of the original design to consider purchasing one before the transition and invites basketball fans across the province to watch for the upcoming announcement.
Additional details and the new plate design will be shared through Basketball Manitoba’s website and social media channels on November 23.
For more information about Basketball Manitoba and the Basketball For Life Fund, visit:
Basketball For Life Fund: https://www.basketballforlife.ca
A new look is on the way. The commitment to growing basketball in Manitoba remains the same!