Canadian Elite Basketball League Re-Introduces Saskatoon Mamba Franchise

February 4, 2026

One of the league’s original franchises gets a bold new brand identity, new home venue, and new ownership group.

The Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) unveiled its reinvigorated Saskatchewan franchise at a press conference Wednesday at Merlis Belsher Place in Saskatoon. The rebranded, Saskatoon Mamba (previously Saskatchewan Rattlers) will return for their eighth season in May, with both SaskTel Centre and Merlis Belsher Place hosting games. Jason Ribeiro and Usman Tahir Jutt were introduced as the team’s ownership group. The business and community leaders also operate the CEBL’s Calgary Surge.


"This is a defining moment for basketball in Saskatchewan and for our league,” said CEBL President Tyler Mazereeuw. “The Canadian Elite Basketball League is national in reach, but community-driven at its core. Revitalizing the Saskatoon franchise reflects that commitment. Jason and Usman have proven their ability to unite communities through sport and art in Calgary, and they are bringing that same passion to ensure the Saskatoon Mamba becomes a lasting source of regional pride and fuels our league’s continued nationwide momentum."


The Saskatchewan Rattlers were the inaugural champions of Canada’s professional basketball league in 2019. Since then, the CEBL has grown to over 4.1 million Canadian fans, representing 14 per cent of the population and an increase of 57 per cent since 2022. Built by Canadians, for Canadians, the league strikes a unique balance between global innovation and deep local connection, attracting a young, digitally savvy, sports-loving audience, with more than half of fans under the age of 34. This fast-growing, engaged fan base reflects the CEBL’s momentum and provides a strong foundation for the next chapter of professional basketball in Saskatchewan.


“I am deeply grateful to the Saskatoon community and the club’s passionate fanbase for welcoming us,” said Jason Ribeiro, Co-Chairman of the Saskatoon Mamba. “The Mamba is our second investment in a CEBL community — and our next step in stewarding the game of basketball across Canada, from coast to coast to coast. We will work every day to reflect, entertain, and unite the city of Saskatoon."


“Basketball has a special place in Saskatoon, and our community has shown how deeply we love and support the game,” said Mayor of Saskatoon Cynthia Block. “As we turn the page and welcome a new ownership group, we do so with pride, excitement, and a continued commitment to celebrating professional basketball in our city.”


2024 Olympian, three-time FIBA 3x3 Women's Series Champion, and proud daughter of Saskatchewan/Treaty 6, Paige Crozon revealed the team’s name and logo to the public for the first time. The reinvigorated Saskatoon Mamba brand was designed by REAL Studios, a creative agency founded by Ribeiro that creates accessible culture-driven content and materials that move audiences. 


Mamba maintains the franchise’s identity as a venomous snake with a modern look, feel, and sound, and is a deliberate acknowledgement of the franchise’s origins as the “Rattlers.” The icon and typeface reflect the same curvature and bend present in the City of Saskatoon’s logo, a nod to the city’s place along the South Saskatchewan River. The team’s primary colour is a bold and vibrant purple, with more colourways to be revealed soon. The club also announced that all 2026 season ticket members will receive an official limited edition New Era 9TWENTY Adjustable Hat.


The 2026 season will see the team play at both SaskTel Centre, the team’s home for the last 7 years, and Merlis Belsher Place. In total, 7 regular season games will be played at Merlis Belsher Place (June 15, July 3, July 7, July 15 – Rattlers Heritage Night, July 21, July 23, and August 3) and 5 regular season games will be played at SaskTel Centre (May 14, May 29, May 31, June 24, July 29).


Merlis Belsher Place is a 120,000 square-foot multisport and live events facility on the University of Saskatchewan campus in Saskatoon operated by Nustadia Recreation Inc. Opened in 2018, it provides an arena with a centre-hung video board, capacity for 2,750 spectators, and houses the two official NBA-size Ron and Jane Graham Gymnasiums. Merlis Belsher Place was named in honour of USask alumnus Merlis Belsher. The facility has hosted the prestigious Grand Slam of Curling, Canadian National Ball Hockey Championships, Saskatchewan Roughriders Winter Classic, Saskatoon Folk Fest, and many other events. Merlis Belsher Place is also a year-round community sport and recreation hub for thousands of Saskatoon children and newcomers.


The franchise will continue building on a foundation that centres community impact, enrichment for youth and families, and a modern, culturally informed approach to sport and entertainment.


The Saskatoon Mamba’s 2026 season will tip off on May 14th, with full schedule and venue information available at saskatoonmamba.ca/schedule. Season ticket deposits are now being accepted at saskatoonmamba.ca. Fans can secure priority access to the best available seats and preferred pricing by placing a non-refundable $50 deposit per ticket, which will be credited toward their Season Ticket Membership during the seat selection process.


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About the Saskatoon Mamba
The Saskatoon Mamba (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 Mamba 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 saskatoonmamba.ca.

Winnipeg's Akot Returns to Sea Bears

February 3, 2026
The Winnipeg product continues his hometown journey with a return for the 2026 CEBL season

Vancouver Partners with City of Kelowna to Host Neutral-Site Home Game

February 3, 2026
The Vancouver Bandits and the City of Kelowna announced today that the club will host its first neutral-site home game in franchise history when it faces Saskatchewan Professional Basketball Club on Saturday, June 6, with tip-off set for 6:00 p.m. PT at Prospera Place in Kelowna. This Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) matchup will serve as the marquee event of Kelowna HOOPFEST, a new basketball festival presented in partnership with the City of Kelowna designed to celebrate basketball at every level. Kelowna HOOPFEST will feature the Vancouver Bandits vs. Saskatchewan Professional Basketball Club, a youth 5x5 tournament, a coaching clinic, and additional programming to be announced. “This is a historic moment for our club and for professional basketball in British Columbia,” said Vancouver Bandits team president Dylan Kular. “We are bringing the same incredible energy our Bandits fans get at Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre. Fans can expect fast-paced, high-energy basketball paired with an electric game-day atmosphere, and a fan-first experience that will bring communities together inside and outside the arena. Bringing our first neutral-site home game to Kelowna as part of Kelowna HOOPFEST is about growing the game and connecting with new communities.” Kelowna HOOPFEST reflects the City of Kelowna’s continued investment in hosting major sporting events that strengthen connection, inspire youth participation, and drive economic impact. “Kelowna is excited to host the Vancouver Bandits and Saskatchewan Professional Basketball Club at Prospera Place,” said Mayor Tom Dyas. “Kelowna continues to build its reputation as a premier event-hosting city, and we are proud to welcome the Canadian Elite Basketball League to our community. The first-ever Kelowna HOOPFEST and surrounding events will bring people to our city, support local businesses, and provide a boost to our local economy.” The multi-day event represents an important step in expanding the reach of both professional basketball and the CEBL across Canada. “Bringing high-energy basketball from some of Canada’s most dynamic players into our communities across the country is what defines our league,” said CEBL President Tyler Mazereeuw. “The Vancouver Bandits will be turning Kelowna into a multi-day Canadian Elite Basketball League experience, giving residents of Kelowna a firsthand look at the energy and passion that is driving our rapidly growing fanbase from coast to coast.” Tickets for Vancouver Bandits vs. Saskatchewan Professional Basketball Club at Kelowna HOOPFEST are on sale now. Additional details surrounding Kelowna HOOPFEST programming will be announced in the coming weeks. More information and tickets are available at thebandits.ca. ### About the Vancouver Bandits: The Vancouver Bandits are British Columbia’s professional basketball team. As the westernmost club in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the Bandits offer an entertainment experience that combines a fast-paced game day atmosphere with a presentation of some of Canada’s top professional athletes within a world-class venue at Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre (LEC), while also being committed to growing the game of basketball by fostering meaningful community connections through youth programming, events, and partnerships.

Les Blackjacks d'Ottawa Re-signent Justin Jackson

February 3, 2026
L’ailier canadien revient dans la capitale nationale pour sa cinquième saison dans la LECB.

Ottawa Re-Signs Veteran Jackson

February 3, 2026
The Canadian forward returns for his fifth CEBL season.

Le Montréalais Barthelemy se joint à l’Alliance de Montréal

February 2, 2026
L'Alliance de Montréal vient de réaliser une signature majeure pour la franchise, annonçant aujourd’hui que le meneur dynamique Keeshawn Barthelemy, natif de Montréal, rejoindra l'équipe pour la saison 2026 de la Ligue élite canadienne de basketball (LECB). Fort d’une expérience NCAA, internationale et professionnelle, Barthelemy revient dans sa ville natale pour entamer un nouveau chapitre de sa carrière. « Keeshawn est un joueur de grande qualité humaine, qui apporte calme, compétitivité et une excellente lecture du jeu », a déclaré Joel Anthony, directeur général et copropriétaire de l’Alliance. « Il a évolué à un très haut niveau, il a continué de progresser comme professionnel, et le fait d’accueillir un joueur montréalais de retour à la maison avec cette expérience est très significatif pour notre organisation. Nous croyons qu’il correspond parfaitement à ce que nous construisons. » Le meneur de 6 pi 1 po et 180 livres arrive à Montréal après un passage remarqué avec Proteas EKA AEL, dans la Division A chypriote, lors de la saison 2025-2026. En 10 matchs professionnels, Barthelemy a maintenu des moyennes de 13,8 points, 3,0 passes décisives, 2,8 rebonds et 1,1 interception par rencontre, se classant au troisième rang de son équipe pour les points marqués, tout en assumant un rôle clé comme meneur de jeu et en offrant une contribution constante des deux côtés du terrain. Son impact s’est fait sentir tout au long de la saison, notamment grâce à plusieurs performances à deux chiffres, dont une sortie de 27 points contre Morphou. Âgé de 25 ans, Barthelemy a connu un parcours universitaire remarquable dans la NCAA, amorçant sa carrière à l’Université du Colorado avant de la conclure à l’Université de l’Oregon. En cinq saisons, il a disputé 140 matchs, obtenant plusieurs départs et s’imposant comme un marqueur fiable et un meneur capable d'orchestrer l'attaque. Lors de sa dernière saison universitaire à Oregon (2024-2025), Barthelemy a inscrit 10,0 points par match, tout en maintenant un taux de réussite de 41,4 % derrière l’arc. Son efficacité offensive et aux lancers francs le classaient parmi les meilleurs de sa conférence. Barthelemy apporte également une précieuse expérience internationale, ayant représenté Équipe Canada sur plusieurs scènes, notamment lors de la Coupe du monde FIBA U17 en 2018 ainsi qu’au tournoi Global Jam en 2022. « Revenir à Montréal pour jouer au niveau professionnel, c’est quelque chose dont j’ai toujours rêvé », a confié Barthelemy. « C’est ici que tout a commencé pour moi, et pouvoir porter le chandail de l’Alliance devant ma famille, mes amis et les partisans, c’est vraiment spécial. J’ai très hâte à la nouvelle saison, à ce que l’équipe est en train de bâtir, et je suis prêt à me mettre au travail. » Cette signature représente un moment marquant pour l’Alliance, qui ramène à la maison un joueur montréalais dont le parcours l’a mené des gymnases locaux à la NCAA, puis au basketball professionnel à l’étranger. Tout au long de sa carrière, Barthelemy est demeuré profondément lié à la ville qui l’a formé, représentant fièrement le Québec et le Canada sur les scènes nationale et internationale. Son retour renforce l’engagement de l’Alliance à bâtir une équipe qui reflète à la fois le talent et l’identité de Montréal, alors que l’organisation poursuit sa progression en vue de la saison 2026. La prochaine saison comptera 12 matchs à domicile pour l’Alliance à l'Auditorium de Verdun, en plus d’un nouveau format de séries éliminatoires à l’échelle de la ligue, qui culminera avec une finale de la LECB deux de trois. L’Alliance disputera son match d’ouverture à domicile le 15 mai, face aux Shooting Stars de Scarborough. Pour plus d’information sur les forfaits de billets disponibles, visitez BASKETMTL.ca. ###

Montreal’s Barthelemy Joins Hometown Alliance

February 2, 2026
The Montréal Alliance has made a key signing for the franchise, announcing today that dynamic guard Keeshawn Barthelemy, a Montréal native with NCAA, international, and professional experience, has signed with the team for the 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season. “Keeshawn is a high-character player who brings poise, competitiveness, and a strong feel for the game,” said Joel Anthony, General Manager and co-owner of the Alliance. “He’s played at a high level, he’s continued to grow as a professional, and having a Montreal-born player return home with that experience means a lot to this organization. We believe he’ll be a great fit for what we’re building.” The 6'1", 180-pound guard brings professional experience after most recently competing with Proteas EKA AEL in the Cyprus Division A, where he made an immediate impact during the 2025–26 season. In 10 professional games, he averaged 13.8 points, 3.0 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game, ranking third on the team in scoring while serving as a primary ball handler and reliable two-way contributor. His impact was evident throughout the season, scoring in double figures on multiple occasions, highlighted by a 27-point performance against Morphou. The 25-year-old guard built an impressive collegiate career in the NCAA, beginning at the University of Colorado before finishing at the University of Oregon. Across five seasons, he appeared in 140 games, earning multiple starting roles and developing into a consistent perimeter scorer and playmaker. In his final collegiate season at Oregon (2024–25), Barthelemy averaged 10.0 points per game while shooting 41.4% from three-point range, ranking among the conference leaders in efficiency and free throw percentage. Barthelemy also brings valuable international experience, having represented Team Canada on multiple occasions, including at the 2018 FIBA U17 World Cup and the 2022 Global Jam Tournament. “Coming back to Montreal to play professionally is something I’ve dreamed about,” said Barthelemy. “This city is where everything started for me, and to put on an Alliance jersey in front of my family, friends, and the fans is really special. I’m excited for the new season, excited for what this team is building, and ready to get to work.” This signing marks a significant milestone for the Alliance, bringing home a Montréal native whose journey has taken him from local gyms to the NCAA and the professional ranks overseas. Throughout his career, Barthelemy has remained connected to the city that shaped him, proudly representing Québec and Canada on the national and international stage. His return reinforces the Alliance's commitment to building a team that reflects both the talent and the identity of Montréal as the organization builds toward the 2026 season. The upcoming season will include 12 home contests for the Alliance at the Verdun Auditorium and a new league-wide playoff format that culminates in a best-of-three CEBL Final. The Alliance will play its home opener on May 15 against the Scarborough Shooting Stars. For more information on available ticket packages, visit BASKETMTL.ca. ###

Oduro Returns to Brampton for a Fifth Season with the Honey Badgers

February 2, 2026
Prince Oduro returns for his fifth season as the Honey Badgers’ all-time leader in games, rebounds and blocks.

Niagara’s Raso, CEBL’s Winningest Coach and General Manager, Steps Down

February 2, 2026
Longtime head coach Victor Raso moves into an advisory position as Kimbal Mackenzie is named Head Coach and General Manager.

Vancouver Re-Signs Canadian Player of the Year Samuel

February 2, 2026
Reigning Canadian Player of the Year returns after a record-setting debut season in Vancouver.

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.