Canada hosts Dominican Republic and Mexico in Saskatoon as FIBA Men’s AmeriCup 2025 Qualifiers continue this November

September 10, 2024

SASKATOON, Saskatchewan (September 10, 2024) – Canada Basketball, in partnership with the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), announced Tuesday that Canada’s Senior Men’s National Team will host the second window of FIBA Men’s AmeriCup 2025 Qualifiers this November in Saskatoon.


Canada will take on the Dominican Republic on Thursday, November 21 (7:10 p.m. CT / 8:10 p.m. ET) before facing Mexico on Sunday, November 24 (2:10 p.m. CT / 3:10 p.m. ET).  Both games will take place at the SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon, and fans can catch all the action live on Sportsnet.

 

Single-game tickets and Team Canada 2-Packs are on sale now via Ticketmaster and start at $20 (plus applicable fees). Canada Basketball Insiders and Saskatchewan Rattlers Season Ticket Holders and Insiders have access to select inventory for both games. Tickets can also be purchased by contacting the Saskatchewan Rattlers by email at [email protected], by phone at 306-244-2182, or by visiting their head office at 2-183 2nd Ave South, Saskatoon.


Canada’s Senior Men’s National Team opened the FIBA Men’s AmeriCup 2025 Qualifiers with a pair of home-and-home victories over Nicaragua in February and currently sit undefeated 2-0 atop Group C.  During three windows, in February 2024, November 2024, and February 2025, each team will play each opponent in their group twice under a "home and away" format. 


The 16 teams in the FIBA Men’s AmeriCup 2025 Qualifiers are in four groups of four teams each.  The top three teams in each group (12 in total) will qualify for the FIBA Men’s AmeriCup 2025.


Canada’s Senior Men’s National Team is coming off a fifth-place finish at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, its first appearance in the tournament in 24 years. It was the team’s highest finish since fourth place at the 1986 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.


Over the last several years, Canada Basketball and the CEBL have collaborated to bring more international basketball events to Canada, including several FIBA Men’s Basketball World Cup 2023 Qualifiers events and the first window of the FIBA Men’s AmeriCup 2025 Qualifiers last February.


Canada is currently ranked fifth in the latest FIBA World Ranking Men, presented by Nike. The rankings were updated following the Men’s Basketball Tournament at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.


QUOTES


“We’re excited to bring a pair of FIBA Men’s AmeriCup 2025 Qualifiers games to Saskatoon this fall as our Senior Men’s National Team looks to take another step towards qualification for next summer’s FIBA Men’s AmeriCup 2025.  The Canadian Elite Basketball League, Saskatchewan Rattlers and Basketball Saskatchewan have done a tremendous job growing the game of basketball across the province in recent years, and we’re looking forward to working closely with each organization to deliver a world-class experience for players, teams and fans. - Michael Bartlett, President & CEO, Canada Basketball


“Once again, the CEBL is thrilled to partner with Canada Basketball to help host two more world-class FIBA AmeriCup 2025 Qualifiers, this time at the home of our Saskatchewan Rattlers at SaskTel Centre. We can't wait to join basketball fans in Saskatoon and those tuning in across the country in November to cheer on our Senior Men’s National Team looking to build on its 2-0 start.” - Mike Morreale, Commissioner & Co-Founder, Canadian Elite Basketball League


"The Government of Saskatchewan is proud to welcome the FIBA Men’s AmeriCup 2025 Qualifiers to the city of Saskatoon.  Our province has a strong record of hosting both national and international sporting competitions over the past number of years. Events such as these have spurred the record growth we're seeing in our tourism sector while creating economic spin-off benefits for the people of our province.” - Hon. Jeremy Harrison, MLA Minister Responsible for Tourism Saskatchewan Jeremy Harrison 


“Saskatchewan sports fans are going to be in for a real treat. Canada’s Senior Men’s National Basketball Team will be fantastic to watch, and SaskTel Centre and its team will be excellent hosts. Congratulations to the Saskatchewan Rattlers for their part in this. This is what Saskatchewan does best. Now let’s fill the place.” - Hon. Ken Cheveldayoff, MLA Saskatoon Willowgrove.


“We are very excited to partner with Canada Basketball to bring this world-class event to Saskatchewan as we continue to build basketball across the province and provide the fans more basketball at the highest level.” - Lee Genier, President, Saskatchewan Rattlers


“Anytime our province gets to showcase the development pathway to our members we consider that a win for the game.  It is so important to be able to see yourself reflected on the court in order to dream the big dreams, whether that’s as a player, coach or official and to be able to do that in person is invaluable.  A huge thank you to the Rattlers organization and Canada Basketball for believing that Saskatchewan is a great place to host an event of this calibre and we can’t wait to see you in the stands in November.” - Megan Penno, Executive Director, Basketball Saskatchewan

Veteran Guard Osborne, Sea Bears Agree to Terms

January 28, 2026
The Winnipeg Sea Bears are pleased to announce that they have agreed to terms with guard Isiah Osborne for the 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season. Osborne, a 6’5” guard from Windsor, Ontario, brings a wealth of professional experience to Winnipeg. Across 49 career CEBL games, Osborne has averaged 25.1 minutes, 10.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game, between the Edmonton Stingers, Montréal Alliance, and Ottawa BlackJacks. “Isiah’s background as a dynamic offensive player and his athletic capabilities made him an ideal fit for our system,” said Head Coach and General Manager Mike Raimbault. “He brings positional size and versatility at both ends of the floor and has the ability to impact winning in a variety of ways.” “I’ve hit big shots in this league, but nothing comes without hard work and teammates who make winning possible,” said Osborne. “That’s why I’m excited to come to Winnipeg. I’m grateful for the opportunity and I’m coming in ready to grind.” Osborne is currently competing with Energa Kotwica Kołobrzeg in Poland. Prior to turning professional, Osborne appeared in 23 NCAA games with the University of Texas at El Paso. He then spent two seasons at Carleton University (2018–2020), where he played 43 U SPORTS games and helped lead the Ravens to back-to-back U SPORTS national championships. Osborne earned All-Star honours in both seasons and was named U SPORTS Championship MVP in 2020. Osborne has played professionally in Canada with the Stingers, Surge, and Alliance, as well as internationally in Finland (Kouvot), Greece (Maroussi), Latvia (Rīgas Zeļļi), Lithuania (Prienų and Gargždų), and Romania with CSM Corona Brașov of the Rome DivA league. Season tickets for the 2026 Winnipeg Sea Bears season are on sale now and can be purchased online at https://www.seabears.ca/season-tickets-2026 ### About the Winnipeg Sea Bears The Winnipeg Sea Bears joined the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) as an expansion franchise in 2023. The city's only professional basketball team plays out of Canada Life Centre from May to August in a 24-game regular season schedule. Winnipeg businessman and lawyer, David Asper, is the organization's owner and chairman. More information on the Sea Bears can be found at seabears.ca and @wpgseabears on Instagram, X, TikTok, LinkedIn & Facebook.

Davidson Joins CEBL as Chief Operating Officer

January 27, 2026
Welcome to the Canadian Elite Basketball League, Shannon Davidson. Davidson brings decades of leadership and strategic integration across the sport and corporate worlds. Her wide-ranging experience strengthens our ability to execute, scale, and lead with purpose.

Saskatchewan Announces Coaching Staff Update

January 26, 2026
The Saskatchewan Professional Basketball Club has notified Head Coach Eric Magdanz that his contract will not be renewed following the conclusion of the 2025 season. Associate Head Coach Steve Burrows will also not be returning due to family reasons. Burrows spent two years with the franchise and Magdanz four – three as Lead Assistant Coach and in 2025 he was promoted to Head Coach. The team finished with a 7-17 record and did not qualify for the playoffs for the third straight season. The organization is grateful for the contributions of both Eric and Steve and their families. Their passion for player development and growing the game of basketball throughout Saskatchewan has our deepest admiration. The Saskatchewan Professional Basketball Club has already begun recruitment for a new Head Coach. A new era of basketball in Saskatoon will be unveiled on February 4th, 2026.  ### About the Saskatchewan Professional Basketball Club The Saskatchewan Professional Basketball Club (previously Saskatchewan Rattlers) tipped off their inaugural season at SaskTel Centre in May 2019 and went on to win the inaugural Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) championship. The team are active members of the community, participating in countless events that connect the team with diverse communities through sport, entertainment, and arts and culture. The team has restored over 100 basketball nets across the city to make basketball more accessible to youth. For more information, visit www.therattlers.ca .

Les BlackJacks d’Ottawa nomment Justin Mazzulla entraîneur en chef

January 22, 2026
Les BlackJacks d'Ottawa de la Ligue élite canadienne de basketball (LECB), ont annoncé aujourd’hui que le club a engagé Justin Mazzulla comme cinquième entraîneur en chef de l’histoire de la franchise. Il remplace David DeAveiro, dont le contrat n’a pas été renouvelé à la suite de la saison 2025. Mazzulla, originaire de Johnston, R.I., est actuellement le poste de coordinateur vidéo adjoint pour le Jazz de l'Utah dans la ligue NBA, après avoir débuté sa carrière professionnelle d’entraîneur en tant qu’entraîneur adjoint et coordinateur vidéo des Stars de Salt Lake City, l’affiliée de l'Utah en G League. « Justin Mazzulla représente exactement le standard d’excellence que nous voulons pour les BlackJacks d’Ottawa », a déclaré le directeur général des BlackJacks, James Derouin. « Il a été un élément clé de certaines des salles d’entraîneurs les plus innovantes de la NBA, et il apporte à notre organisation un plan directeur digne d’une équipe de championnat. Nous ne cherchons pas seulement à être compétitifs; nous voulons mener la ligue en matière d’innovation et d’intensité. Justin est l’architecte qui nous permettra d’y parvenir. » Âgé de 27 ans et 26 jours au moment de sa nomination, il devient le plus jeune entraîneur en chef de l’histoire de la CEBL, surpassant l’entraineur en chef des Niagara River Lions, Victor Raso, qui avait 28 ans lorsqu’il a été nommé à ce poste en 2019. « J’ai choisi Ottawa parce que les propriétaires, la direction sportive et les dirigeants ont cru en moi et étaient prêts à me donner une chance », a déclaré Mazzulla. « Intrépide, rapide et plaisant étaient les piliers qu’ils ont mis de l’avant, et cela me semblait une excellente occasion de me joindre à eux et de bâtir autour de la culture et de la communauté d’Ottawa. » Joueur de Division I à George Washington (2017-2019) et à l’Université du Vermont (2020-2022), frère de l’actuel entraîneur en chef des Celtics de Boston, Joe Mazzulla, il a rejoint l’Université du Rhode Island en juin 2022 en tant qu’assistant diplômé à l’issue de sa carrière de joueur. Il a auparavant travaillé comme entraîneur en chef pour Rise to the Top, où il a organisé des ligues de basketball Junior NBA pour les jeunes, ainsi que comme préparateur de la performance pour Ernie Duncan Hoops, deux structures basées dans le Vermont. Élu Joueur de l’Année Gatorade du Rhode Island en 2016, Mazzulla a contribué à mener le Bishop Hendricken High School à des championnats d’État consécutifs avant de commencer sa carrière universitaire avec les George Washington Colonials, où il a été nommé dans l’équipe All-Academic de l’Atlantic 10 lors de sa saison sophomore. Ottawa amorcera sa saison à l’Aréna de la TD Place le mardi 12 mai à 19 h 30 contre les champions en titre de la Conférence de l’Ouest, le Calgary Surge. Des forfaits de billets flexibles et des expériences de groupe sont actuellement en vente en visitant theblackjacks.ca/fr-ca/tickets , ou rendez-vous sur theblackjacks.ca/fr-ca/season-seat-memberships pour vous joindre à nous lors de tous les matchs à domicile de la saison 2026. ###

Mazzulla Becomes CEBL’s Youngest Head Coach

January 22, 2026
Ottawa BlackJacks hire NBA-developed coach to lead franchise forward

Une nouvelle ère des séries éliminatoires débute avec le calendrier de la saison 2026 de la LECB

January 15, 2026
La huitième saison de la ligue, qui commencera le 9 mai, introduira des changements historiques : des séries éliminatoires entièrement disputées sur les marchés locaux et une finale de la LECB au meilleur de trois

New Playoff Era to Begin as CEBL Announces 2026 Season Schedule

January 15, 2026
Historic format changes introduce full in-market postseason and best-of-three CEBL Finals as league’s eighth season set to tip off May 9

Saskatchewan Announces Basketball Operations Update

January 13, 2026
The Saskatchewan Professional Basketball Club has notified General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Barry Rawlyk that his contract will not be renewed following the conclusion of the 2025 season. During his seven seasons with the franchise, Barry brought a deep familiarity with Canadian basketball and long-standing relationships across the province that supported the club’s operations and player development. He also served as the Lead Assistant Coach during the franchise's 2019 Championship season. The organization wishes Barry and his family well as he moves on from the team and appreciates his willingness to support a smooth transition. The Saskatchewan Professional Basketball Club has already begun recruitment for a new General Manager. A new era of basketball in Saskatoon will be unveiled soon. ### About the Saskatchewan Professional Basketball Club The Saskatchewan Professional Basketball Club (previously Saskatchewan Rattlers) tipped off their inaugural season at SaskTel Centre in May 2019 and went on to win the inaugural Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) championship. The team are active members of the community, participating in countless events that connect the team with diverse communities through sport, entertainment, and arts and culture. The team has restored over 100 basketball nets across the city to make basketball more accessible to youth. For more information, visit www.therattlers.ca .

Cowan Joins CEBL as Senior Director, Corporate Partnerships

January 13, 2026
Please join us in welcoming Rob Cowan to the Canadian Elite Basketball League as Senior Director, Corporate Partnerships. Rob brings more than 20 years of experience across the Canadian sports industry. Most recently at Rugby Canada, he led national partnership sales, account management, and commercial strategy across the organization’s flagship programs and events. With a background spanning partnerships, data & analytics, live events, and digital marketing, Rob brings a well-rounded, modern perspective on how brands create value in sport today - and where the partnership landscape is heading next. Welcome to the CEBL, Rob!

Bilamu Agrees to Terms with Sea Bears

January 8, 2026
The Winnipeg Sea Bears are pleased to announce that they have agreed to terms with forward Nathan Bilamu for the upcoming season. Bilamu (6-5; born August 7, 2000 in Hamilton, ON) returns to Winnipeg after a productive 2025 season with the Sea Bears in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL). In his rookie professional season with Winnipeg, he appeared in 20 games and averaged 5.5 points and 3.1 rebounds per game, showing consistent effort and earning increased playing time as the season progressed. “We are excited to have Nate back as he builds on what he started here," said Head Coach and General Manager, Mike Raimbault. "Last summer he brought a tremendous commitment to the team, specifically a passion for winning that showed in his effort and willingness to do whatever it took to help this group.” Before joining Winnipeg, Bilamu enjoyed a standout university career at Lakehead University, where he emerged as a versatile two-way player. In his senior season (2024-25), Bilamu averaged 19.7 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game. He was named an Ontario University Athletics (OUA) First-Team All-Star and a U-SPORTS Second-Team All-Canadian. Following his time in the CEBL, Bilamu continued his professional career overseas with Esgueira Basket in Portugal’s Liga Portuguesa de Basquetebol. Through early 2025-26 international competition, he has been a key rotation player, averaging around 12.4 points and 4.1 rebounds per game while logging significant minutes. The season ticket member renewal deadline is January 15, 2026. Fans can renew or purchase new season tickets at https://www.seabears.ca/season-tickets-2026 . ### About the Winnipeg Sea Bears The Winnipeg Sea Bears joined the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) as an expansion franchise in 2023. The city's only professional basketball team plays out of Canada Life Centre from May to August in a 24-game regular season schedule. Winnipeg businessman and lawyer, David Asper, is the organization's owner and chairman. More information on the Sea Bears can be found at seabears.ca and @wpgseabears on Instagram , X , TikTok , LinkedIn & Facebook .