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

La Ligue élite canadienne de basketball (LECB) a dévoilé jeudi son calendrier de la saison 2026, marquant le début d’une nouvelle ère pour la ligue avec l’introduction d’un modèle de séries éliminatoires entièrement disputées sur les marchés locaux et d’une finale de la LECB disputée au meilleur de trois matchs, une première dans l’histoire de la ligue.


La saison 2026 s’amorcera le samedi 9 mai à 13 h 30 (HR) / 15 h 30 (HE) à Edmonton, alors que les Stingers d’Edmonton accueilleront les Sea Bears de Winnipeg à l’EXPO Centre d’Edmonton. Chaque équipe de la LECB disputera 24 matchs de saison régulière jusqu’au 3 août, offrant un été équilibré et riche en action avec un total de 120 matchs présentés aux amateurs de basketball d’un océan à l’autre, avant le coup d’envoi du nouveau format des séries éliminatoires.


Dates marquantes et moments forts pour 2026

La saison à venir comprendra une série de matchs lors de congés fériés, de rivalités et de journées complètes de basketball, notamment :


  • 11 programmes triples
  • Un match de la fête nationale des patriotes à Ottawa le 18 mai
  • Le premier de quatre affrontements entre Calgary et Vancouver le 24 mai, ravivant leur rivalité après leur duel éliminatoire spectaculaire de la saison dernière
  • Une revanche de la finale de la LECB 2025 entre Calgary et Niagara le 3 juin
  • Un programme double de la fête des Pères à Scarborough et à Ottawa le 21 juin
  • Un programme double de la fête du Canada à Scarborough et à Edmonton le 1er juillet


Pour consulter le calendrier complet de la saison 2026 de la LECB, visitez cebl.ca/schedule.


Un nouveau format historique des séries éliminatoires fera ses débuts en 2026

Les séries éliminatoires de la Ligue élite canadienne de basketball 2026 débuteront avec des demi-finales de conférence à élimination directe le jeudi 6 août, où la tête de série n° 1 affrontera la n° 4, et la tête de série n° 2 fera face à la n° 3 dans chaque conférence. Les équipes gagnantes accéderont aux finales de conférence le samedi 8 août, également disputées en élimination directe, avec l’avantage du terrain accordé aux équipes les mieux classées à chaque ronde.


La finale de la LECB se déroulera au meilleur de trois matchs du 12 au 16 août, marquant la première série éliminatoire à plusieurs matchs de l’histoire de la ligue :

  • Match 1 – 12 août
  • Match 2 – 15 août
  • Match 3 (si nécessaire) – 16 août


L’équipe la moins bien classée accueillera le premier match, tandis que l’équipe la mieux classée sera l’hôte des matchs 2 et 3 (si nécessaire), remplaçant ainsi le modèle précédent du week-end du Championnat à élimination directe disputée sur un site hôte unique.


« Ces changements historiques à notre format des séries éliminatoires représentent une étape majeure pour la LECB et pour nos partisans. Ils reflètent l’évolution naturelle de la ligue, qui continue de croître et de se développer, a expliqué Tyler Mazereeuw, président de la LECB. Notre priorité reste d’offrir la meilleure expérience possible à nos équipes, à nos joueurs et à nos partisans, et il s'agit d'une nouvelle étape dans l'accomplissement de cette mission. Nos communautés nous soutiennent depuis le tout début, et nous sommes fiers de leur offrir une expérience éliminatoire à la hauteur de leur passion. »


Mazereeuw a ajouté : « Le week-end du Championnat a joué un rôle clé dans la création de notre ligue et est devenu la plus grande célébration annuelle du basketball professionnel au Canada. Bien que nous soyons fiers de ce que c’est devenue, le passage à un modèle disputé sur les marchés locaux nous permettra de renforcer nos liens avec les communautés et de créer de nouvelles traditions qui reflètent la croissance et la maturité de la ligue. »


Pour tous les détails concernant le nouveau format des séries éliminatoires de la Ligue élite canadienne de basketball, visitez cebl.ca/playoffs. Les informations sur la billetterie pour l’ensemble des matchs de la LECB sont disponibles au cebl.ca/tickets ou directement sur les sites web des équipes : Honey Badgers de Brampton, Surge de Calgary, Stingers d’Edmonton, Alliance de Montréal, River Lions de Niagara, BlackJacks d’Ottawa, SSK Professional Basketball Club, Shooting Stars de Scarborough, Bandits de Vancouver et Sea Bears de Winnipeg.


- LECB -


À propos de la LECB

La Ligue élite canadienne de basketball (LECB) est une ligue professionnelle de basketball qui regroupe 10 clubs membres dans six provinces. Alliant une innovation mondiale et un lien fort avec les communautés, elle redéfinit la pratique et l'expérience du sport, tout en implantant solidement ses équipes d'un océan à l'autre. Avec une base de 4,1 millions de fans canadiens, en hausse de 57 % depuis 2022, la LECB a su cultiver le public le plus jeune du basketball au Canada : plus de la moitié de ses partisans ont moins de 35 ans. Cette croissance rapide témoigne de la capacité de la ligue à établir un lien authentique avec une nouvelle génération de partisans, tout en étendant l’influence culturelle du basketball à l’échelle nationale. 


En 2025, la LECB comptait 17 joueurs ayant déjà joué dans la NBA, et près de 70 % de ses athlètes étaient Canadiens. Elle est ainsi devenue la ligue professionnelle du pays comptant la plus forte proportion de talents locaux. À ce jour, près de 40 joueurs ont signé un contrat dans la NBA après avoir participé à une saison de la LECB, qui se déroule de mai à août. Pour en savoir plus, rendez-vous sur CEBL.ca/fr-ca ou suivez @cebleague sur les réseaux sociaux.

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 .

Calgary Surge Promote Dylan Howe to Team President

December 16, 2025
One of the league’s most experienced operators steps into expanded role after guiding competitive success and community impact.

Vancouver Bandits and Envision Financial Launch Landmark Partnership

December 11, 2025
Partnership designed to elevate culture, community, and g  ame day experience

Three-Time MVP Xavier Moon Agrees to Terms with Sea Bears

December 11, 2025
The Winnipeg Sea Bears are pleased to announce that they have agreed to terms with point guard Xavier Moon for the 2026 season. Moon (6-2; Morehead State; born January 2, 1995, in Goodwater, AL) is a three-time Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) Player of the Year and brings elite scoring, playmaking ability, and professional experience from international leagues, the CEBL, and the NBA. The Goodwater, Alabama native played two seasons at Northwest Florida State College, helping the program win the National Junior College Championship. He later transferred to Morehead State, where he played two seasons and averaged 16.0 points, 4.6 assists, and 3.4 rebounds in his senior year, earning First Team All-Ohio Valley Conference honours. "I believe adding Xavier to our organization brings tremendous value both on and off the court. He’s a proven winner and someone who has shown he can excel in this league and at the NBA level,” said Winnipeg Sea Bears Head Coach and General Manager Mike Raimbault. “He’s a true professional who understands the importance of our community and our fans, and we’re confident the impact he makes off the court will be just as significant as what he brings on it." Moon has spent time overseas, in North American pro leagues, and across multiple seasons in the CEBL. In 2021, he averaged a league-leading 23.1 points per game on his way to a third straight Player of the Year award and All-CEBL First Team recognition. That season included a 39-point performance, which stood as the CEBL single-game scoring record at the time. 2026 season tickets are now on sale starting at just $27 per game and can be purchased at 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 .

Ross Joins Honey Badgers as Assistant General Manager

December 9, 2025
The Brampton Honey Badgers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) are excited to announce John Ross as assistant general manager. John has spent the better part of the past two decades working in basketball, highlighted by over 14 years with the Portland Trail Blazers and more recently as an assistant coach with the Western Conference Champion Calgary Surge in 2025. With Portland, John worked as a video coordinator with both the coaching and scouting staff. He played a pivotal role in the organization's 2009-2011 stretch of playoff appearances, and also their rebuild starting with the draft acquisitions of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum. This backcourt duo was the catalyst for eight consecutive playoff appearances between 2014-2021, including a Western Conference Finals appearance in 2019. “Basketball is one of my deepest passions, and I am very grateful to be able to continue my career in this game with the Honey Badgers,” said Ross. “I could not be more excited to work alongside Al [Whitley] and Jermaine [Anderson] to help put together a team that will not only excel on the court, but also in the Peel and Brampton community.” Since moving on from the Trail Blazers in 2022, John has expanded his work experience to both coaching, and teaching. As an assistant coach with the Calgary Surge in 2025, he helped lift the Surge to their second finals appearance in franchise history, after posting a 17-7 record on the season. In terms of teaching, John founded an organization called GET IN THE GAME 101, an educational resource designed to assist young adults in answering the question “What do I do to get a job in the NBA?”. Here, John provides his insights into what it takes to move your career into the biggest stage that basketball has to offer. You can follow his substack here to read more. Beyond basketball, John is a humanitarian, serving at-risk children for over a decade in Zimbabwe and making multiple visits to Ukraine to support refugee relief. “John’s high-level experience, combined with his understanding of what it means to help others, fits with what we are looking for in our organization,” said Honey Badgers CEO Al Whitley. “We are excited to have John assist in leading our basketball operations staff going forward and are confident that he is going to help us in promoting selflessness and winning.” Season tickets for the 2026 Honey Badgers season are on sale now at honeybadgers.ca . Keep an eye out for the Honey Badgers staff and Hammer around the Brampton and Peel community throughout the offseason for potential prizes and giveaways! ### About the Brampton Honey Badgers One of the original franchises of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the 2022 CEBL Champion Brampton Honey Badgers proudly call the CAA Centre home. The Brampton front office and basketball operations department bring NBA, NBA G League, national team, NCAA and major international pro league experience to the franchise. With a vision of promoting Brampton grassroots basketball and local businesses through community and corporate engagement, the Honey Badgers will leverage the explosion of basketball as a vehicle for innovation and change. For more information visit honeybadgers.ca .

Honey Badgers Announce Saud Juman as Club’s President

December 3, 2025
The Brampton Honey Badgers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) are proud to announce Saud Juman as the team's new president. Saud is a highly experienced business leader and executive, bringing over two decades of expertise in scaling businesses, cultivating successful cultures, and leading high-performance teams. Notably, as the founder, president, and CEO of Policy Medical, he developed the first healthcare policy management software, which was adopted by more than 3000 U.S. hospitals. Saud successfully guided the company from its bootstrap beginnings for 18 years to a successful acquisition. Following his exit from the company in 2018, Saud channeled his leadership skills into professional basketball, where he served as the assistant coach & head of player development for the Niagara River Lions, contributing to the team's success both on and off the court during their 2025 CEBL Championship run. “Saud offers a unique combination of executive rigor, people-focused leadership, and extensive basketball knowledge, specializing in the creation of systems and cultures that deliver wins - in business and in the community,” said Honey Badgers CEO Al Whitley. “We are incredibly excited and fortunate to welcome Saud to the Brampton Honey Badgers as the franchise embarks on a new chapter of basketball in the Peel Region and across Canada.” Furthermore, Saud’s commitment to basketball is matched by his dedication to positive community impact through his family’s foundation, which provides funding for youth grassroots programs. “It’s a new era for Honey Badger’s basketball and I am humbled to be a part of this exciting team,” said Juman. “I look forward to approaching this role with the discipline and commitment to winning on and off the court, while forging deep connections in Brampton and the Peel community.” Season tickets for the 2026 Honey Badgers season are on sale now at honeybadgers.ca . Keep an eye out for the Honey Badgers staff and Hammer around the Brampton and Peel community throughout the offseason for potential prizes and giveaways! ### About the Brampton Honey Badgers One of the original franchises of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the 2022 CEBL Champion Brampton Honey Badgers proudly call the CAA Centre home. The Brampton front office and basketball operations department bring NBA, NBA G League, national team, NCAA and major international pro league experience to the franchise. With a vision of promoting Brampton grassroots basketball and local businesses through community and corporate engagement, the Honey Badgers will leverage the explosion of basketball as a vehicle for innovation and change. For more information visit honeybadgers.ca .

Bandits President Dylan Kular Honoured at B.C. Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Annual Awards

December 3, 2025
Vancouver Bandits team president Dylan Kular has been named a recipient of a 2025 B.C. Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Annual Award, announced by the Government of B.C. on Tuesday. The annual awards celebrate people and organizations that demonstrate leadership in promoting multiculturalism, anti-racism and intercultural understanding. Nearly 50 people and organizations were nominated for 2025 awards, recognizing contributions to building inclusive communities. In addition to Kular, three people and one organization are also receiving the B.C. Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Awards for their exceptional efforts to fight racism and promote inclusion in British Columbia. “These award recipients exemplify the values of inclusion and respect that strengthen our province,” said Niki Sharma, Attorney General. “Their leadership and creativity are inspiring. I am proud to honour their exceptional efforts to break down barriers, foster inclusion and build stronger, more equitable communities across British Columbia.” Kular was named a recipient of the “Breaking Barriers” award, which recognizes individuals and organizations for their work in tackling systemic or institutional racism and reducing barriers for marginalized communities. “It is an honour to receive this recognition from the Government of B.C . This award truly reflects the collective efforts of our entire organization,” said Kular. “Our team ownership group provides the leadership that empowers our organization to build and foster meaningful change. The Vancouver Bandits and Bandits Community Foundation are committed to continue breaking barriers and connecting communities across B.C. through the sport of basketball.” Under Kular’s leadership in 2025, which saw him earn CEBL Executive of the Year honours for a league-record third time, the Vancouver Bandits led efforts in building inclusive communities through sports and partnerships with Indigenous organizations and diverse populations across the province. Through partnerships and initiatives through the Bandits Community Foundation , such as the Indigenous Basketball Collective , in collaboration with the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (I-SPARC) and the Junior All Native Tournament (JANT). Kular and the Bandits worked to address systemic barriers and foster meaningful engagement, particularly for individuals with intersecting identities and those in remote areas. “Advancing anti-racism and intercultural trust requires courage, collaboration and commitment,” said Amna Shah, parliamentary secretary for anti-racism initiatives. “These honourees demonstrate all three values through their actions every day. Their efforts to break down barriers and amplify marginalized voices are making a real difference in schools, workplaces and communities across B.C. I am deeply grateful for their leadership and inspired by the positive change they continue to drive.” The B.C. Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Awards are part of the government’s broader efforts to counter hate and racism by celebrating and empowering local, community-based advocates. Since launching in 2008, more than 60 individuals and organizations have been honoured. Other initiatives include: an anti-hate community support fund that supports marginalized and at-risk groups with funding for security equipment, graffiti removal and repairs to damaged property the Resilience BC Anti-Racism Network that connects communities with the information, supports and training they need to respond to and prevent future incidents of racism and hate the B.C. Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Grants, which provide funding to support projects that tackle racial inequity and foster intercultural understanding throughout the province the Racist Incident Helpline, which partners with local organizations to connect people who have experienced racism with resources to help them heal