Winnipeg Sea Bears Announce Leadership Transition

September 11, 2025

The Winnipeg Sea Bears announced today that Jason Smith will be transitioning out of his role as President over the coming months. Smith helped establish the franchise and led the Sea Bears through its first three seasons.


When Smith was first engaged to guide the due diligence process, finalize the franchise deal, and bring the Sea Bears to life, he committed to dedicating himself fully to the team for its crucial early years. With that three-year commitment coming to an end this fall, Smith will step back from day-to-day duties in order to rebalance his professional life, including devoting more time to his company, Smith Events, while maintaining a strong connection to the Sea Bears.


Under a new agreement, Smith will remain with the organization in a consulting capacity, focusing on a variety of strategic projects and continuing to provide guidance and expertise as the team enters its next phase of growth. Team Owner and Chairman David Asper will serve as President and Chief Executive Officer as the Sea Bears restructure.


“We’re all very fortunate that three years ago Jason agreed to set aside a very successful business and stable personal life and commit all his energy to launching the Sea Bears, which we knew would be all-encompassing and chaotic”, said David Asper. “He’s a co-founder of the team, always will be, and I look forward to continuing our relationship with big goals yet to achieve.”


“It has been an honour to serve as President of the Sea Bears and to help create something so special for the city and province,” said Smith. “I look forward to supporting David and the team through this transition and into the next chapter, while also returning focus to Smith Events and other projects that allow me to contribute in new ways.”


This transition sets the stage for the next phase of the Sea Bears’ growth, as the team continues to strengthen its place in the local and national professional sports landscape.


###


About the Winnipeg Sea Bears: 


The Winnipeg Sea Bears are a professional basketball team in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), proudly representing Winnipeg and Manitoba on the national stage. Since their debut, the Sea Bears have become a community leader, delivering top-tier basketball and fan experiences while contributing to the growth of the sport across Canada.


October 27, 2025
Les récipiendaires des Prix d’affaires 2025 de la LECB seront dévoilés du 27 au 30 octobre
October 27, 2025
2025 CEBL Business Award winners to be unveiled from October 27-30
October 20, 2025
La meilleure ligue professionnelle de basketball du Canada et son premier commissaire et cofondateur prennent des chemins différents après un mandat de huit ans couronné de succès
October 20, 2025
Canada’s top pro basketball league and its first Commissioner and Co-Founder part ways following a successful eight-year tenure
October 9, 2025
Les BlackJacks d’Ottawa de la Ligue élite canadienne de basketball (LECB) ont annoncé aujourd’hui la nomination de Jason Winters à titre de nouveau président du club. Winters se joint aux BlackJacks après avoir occupé le poste de directeur général de Myers Kanata Nissan depuis 2019. Chef d’entreprise très respecté au sein de la communauté ottavienne, lui et sa famille ont également possédé et exploité plusieurs franchises Booster Juice dans la région de la capitale. Détenteur d’abonnements de saison des BlackJacks de longue date, Winters apporte une profonde passion pour le basketball ainsi qu’un solide bilan en matière de partenariats authentiques et de création de valeur tangible pour les parties prenantes. « En tant que détenteur d’abonnement saisonnier et fier partisan des BlackJacks, il a été incroyable de voir l’évolution de l’équipe et la notoriété croissante de la LECB au Canada », a déclaré Winters. « Assumer le rôle de président pour diriger cette équipe et servir notre communauté est un honneur pour ma famille et moi. Je suis enthousiaste et déterminé à bâtir sur les bases solides que les BlackJacks ont déjà établies, avec intégrité, passion et un profond respect pour nos partisans et la communauté d’Ottawa. » Dans son nouveau rôle de président, Jason guidera les BlackJacks vers une ère nouvelle et prometteuse — en renforçant les liens avec la communauté et en accroissant l’impact du club, tant sur le terrain qu’en dehors, alors que l’équipe continue d’élargir sa présence au sein de la LECB et dans toute la région d’Ottawa. « Nous sommes fiers et honorés d’accueillir Jason dans ce rôle de leadership », a déclaré Justin Pascoe, PDG de Diamond Sports Canada. « En tant que membre de longue date de la communauté d’Ottawa, il apporte une vaste expérience professionnelle, une réputation d’excellence et de solides valeurs familiales qui lui ont valu le respect généralisé dans toute la région. » « Le leadership, l'intégrité et la passion de toujours de Jason pour le basketball font de lui la personne idéale pour guider les BlackJacks vers une nouvelle étape prometteuse », a poursuivi Pascoe. « Il incarne les valeurs que nous souhaitons voir représenter par ce club et entretient un véritable lien avec nos partisans et notre communauté. Ensemble, nous ferons des BlackJacks une équipe dont nos partisans, nos commanditaires et notre ville pourront être fiers, tant sur le terrain qu’en dehors. » Diplômé du Collège Algonquin des arts appliqués et de la technologie, Winters vit dans le quartier Old Ottawa South avec sa famille : Sherry, Archer, Zoe et Nevaeah. Les forfaits d’abonnement pour la saison 2026 sont maintenant disponibles en ligne à l’adresse theblackjacks.ca/season-seat-memberships . ###
October 9, 2025
The Ottawa BlackJacks of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced today the appointment of Jason Winters as the club’s new president. Winters joins the BlackJacks having served as the general manager of Myers Kanata Nissan since 2019. A highly respected business leader in the Ottawa community. He and his family have also owned and operated multiple Booster Juice franchises across the Capital Region. A long-time BlackJacks season ticket holder, Winters brings a deep passion for basketball along with a proven track record of building authentic partnerships and delivering meaningful value to stakeholders. “As someone who has been in the stands as a proud season ticket holder and fan of the BlackJacks, it has been incredible to watch the growth and awareness of the team and the CEBL in Canada,” said Winters. “Stepping into the role of President to lead this team and serve our community is something that my family and I are honoured to do. I am excited and committed to building on the foundation the BlackJacks have already established with integrity, passion and a deep respect for our fans and the Ottawa community.” In his new role as President, Jason will lead the BlackJacks into an exciting new era - strengthening community ties and enhancing the club’s impact both on and off the court as the team continues to grow its presence in the CEBL and across the Ottawa region. “We are proud and privileged to welcome Jason into this leadership role,” said Justin Pascoe, CEO of Diamond Sports Canada. “As a long-standing member of the Ottawa community, he brings a wealth of professional experience, a reputation for excellence and strong family values that have earned him widespread respect throughout the region.” “Jason’s leadership, integrity and lifelong passion for basketball make him the ideal person to guide the BlackJacks into an exciting new chapter,” continued Pascoe. “He embodies the values we want this club to stand for and has a true connection to our fans and community. Together, we will make the BlackJacks a team that our fans, sponsors and city can be proud of on and off the court” A graduate of Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology, Winters lives in Old Ottawa South with his family, Sherry, Archer, Zoe and Nevaeah. Season seat packages for the 2026 campaign are now available online at theblackjacks.ca/season-seat-memberships . ###
October 6, 2025
Please join us in welcoming Amanda Chau to the Canadian Elite Basketball League. Amanda joins as Director, Corporate Partnerships, bringing over a decade of experience in partnerships and marketing. Most recently, she was with True North Sports + Entertainment, where she supported the Winnipeg Jets and national partners with business planning, relationship development, and sponsorship strategy. Her background also includes account and project management at Direct Focus Marketing Agency, where she worked across brand strategies, events, and sponsorship opportunities, giving her a well-rounded perspective on the diverse needs of dynamic clients and brands. Welcome to the CEBL team, Amanda!
September 25, 2025
Joignez-vous à nous pour souhaiter la bienvenue à Jean Couvrette, qui se joint à la Ligue élite canadienne de basketball à titre de directeur principal, partenariats corporatifs. Jean apporte plus de 30 ans d'expérience dans le développement de partenariats, le marketing sportif et la gestion d’équipes de ventes. Il a occupé des postes clés au sein d'organisations telles que le Grand Prix de Formule 1 du Canada, Professional Sports Management, SPORTSQUÉBEC et les Alouettes de Montréal, où il a constamment obtenu d'excellents résultats en matière de commandites et de ventes. Plus récemment, il a agi à titre de consultant pour des organisations de premier plan, dont Soccer Québec, la Fédération québécoise des sports cyclistes, les Carabins de l’Université de Montréal, Ironman Mont-Tremblant et Golf Québec. Bienvenue dans l’équipe de la LECB, Jean!
September 25, 2025
Please join us in welcoming Jean Couvrette to the Canadian Elite Basketball League as Sr. Director, Corporate Partnerships. Jean brings over 30 years of experience in partnership development, sports marketing, and team leadership. He has held key roles with organizations including the Formula One Grand Prix du Canada, Professional Sports Management, SPORTSQUÉBEC, and the Montreal Alouettes, where he consistently delivered strong results in sponsorship and sales. Most recently, he has worked as a consultant with leading organizations such as Soccer Québec, Québec Cycling Federation, Université de Montréal Carabins, Ironman Mont-Tremblant, and Golf Québec. Welcome to the CEBL team, Jean!
September 23, 2025
Please join us in welcoming Sam Bougha to the Canadian Elite Basketball League as Director, Corporate Partnerships. Sam is a sponsorship marketing professional with experience across the brand, property, and agency sides of the industry. He has led national partnerships, managed multimillion-dollar portfolios, and delivered creative, results-driven campaigns for organizations including Deloitte Canada, the Canada Games Council, and Envision Sports & Entertainment. He brings a strong foundation in sales and client management from roles with Peloton, TD Insurance, and Ricoh Canada, and is passionate about building partnerships rooted in relationships and focused on long-term value for fans, brands, and the property. Sam also gained hands-on experience with the Hamilton Honey Badgers earlier in his career, making this a full-circle moment as he joins the league office. Welcome to the CEBL team, Sam!