The Winnipeg Sea Bears and Buckets & Borders will hold a grand opening celebration for a refurbished outdoor basketball court in Killarney, Manitoba on Friday, August 21, 2026.
The event will run from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Killarney School, 417 King Avenue, and will include opening remarks, an official ribbon cutting, free youth programming, a mini camp, a community barbecue, a three-point competition, giveaways and a local all-star game.
Event Schedule
4:00 p.m. - Opening remarks and official ribbon cutting
4:30 p.m. - Free youth programming and mini camp
5:30 p.m. - Community barbecue, three-point competition and giveaways
6:30 p.m. - Local all-star game
7:00 p.m. - Event wrap-up
The Killarney project is part of ongoing community court work involving Buckets & Borders and the Winnipeg Sea Bears Foundation. The Foundation has identified community court refurbishment as one of its areas of focus, with the goal of supporting public basketball spaces and youth access to the sport across Manitoba.
Project partners for the Killarney court include HyLife, Assiniboine Credit Union, the Killarney Foundation, Urban Systems Foundation, Telpay, Buckets & Borders and the Winnipeg Sea Bears.
The Winnipeg Sea Bears captured the 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League Championship following a 98-84 victory over the Brampton Honey Badgers on Saturday, August 15.
In front of 12,519 fans at Canada Life Centre - a new all-time CEBL attendance record - Winnipeg secured the first championship in franchise history and completed a memorable playoff run in front of its home supporters.
Brampton opened the game with a 7-0 lead before Xavier Moon scored Winnipeg's first basket nearly seven minutes into the opening quarter. From there, the Sea Bears steadily took control, outscoring Brampton 26-18 in the second quarter and 27-18 in the third to build a lead they would not surrender.
Moon finished with a game-high 29 points on 12-of-18 shooting, along with seven rebounds and six assists in nearly 39 minutes. He was named CEBL Finals MVP, earning the third championship of his CEBL career.
"I'll put this at number one," Moon said. "Coming to a new organization that hadn't won a playoff game - this one is much, much sweeter than the first two. Best fans in the league, hands down. Without these fans, I don't know what the outcome would have been."
Winnipeg's Simon Hildebrandt added 24 points and six rebounds, while also delivering the championship-clinching basket during Target Score time. The moment carried special significance for the Winnipeg-born player and the Sea Bears organization.
On May 27, 2023, the late Chad Posthumus - a Sea Bear and Winnipegger who remained an important part of the organization - scored the first Target Score winner in franchise history. On Saturday, another Winnipeg player delivered the final basket of the championship season.
"Chad, even though he's not with us today, he still means so much to this organization, so much to the city," Hildebrandt said. "I remember when he hit that first target score winner and how special that moment was for everybody. So to be compared to that, to hit the last one today - it's special."
Sea Bears Head Coach Mike Raimbault also reflected on the connection following the game.
"I was talking to Chad's folks right before I left the floor. His dad got to go up the ladder and cut down a piece of the net. If Chad was watching and could handpick who was going to hit that shot, I think it would be Simon."
Before the game, Moon had encouraged Hildebrandt to embrace the opportunity to compete for a championship in his hometown.
Jelani Watson-Gayle provided a major lift off the bench, scoring 17 points in the first half to tie the CEBL record for most points in the first half of a championship game. He finished with five three-pointers, tying the league's Finals record for three-pointers made in a championship game.
Isiah Osborne and DJ Burns combined for 18 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists, contributing at both ends of the floor throughout the championship victory.
"The entire organization deserves this," Raimbault said after the final horn. "Last night, the entire front office was putting towels on chairs together. It really permeates from the top down - from David Asper all the way through to every person behind the scenes who maybe doesn't get the accolades, but makes all of this possible."
Sea Bears Owner and Chair David Asper, who has described the franchise through the words Prairie Dirt, Canadian Shield and Wheatfield Soul, reflected on what the championship represented for Winnipeg.
"We are Winnipeg," Asper said. "The rest of the country, the rest of the world through social media, saw who and what we are. I'm immensely proud of that. Whoever you are, wherever you come from, whatever you do - you belong here."
The championship capped a resilient playoff run for the Sea Bears, who entered the post-season after losing three starters in the week before the playoffs. Winnipeg defeated Saskatchewan at home, won on the road in Vancouver and then returned to Canada Life Centre to claim the league title before the largest crowd in CEBL history.
TICKETS GOING FAST: The Canadian Elite Basketball League has announced that the 2026 CEBL Championship will be decided in a single winner-take-all game on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 2:30 pm at Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg.
The championship format was confirmed following the cancellation of Wednesday’s CEBL Finals game between the Winnipeg Sea Bears and host Brampton Honey Badgers. The game in Brampton was cancelled due to condensation on the court that left the playing surface unsafe for competition. The decision was made in consultation with both clubs, game officials and venue staff, with player, official and fan safety identified as the league’s first priority.
With the schedule revised, Saturday’s game in Winnipeg will now determine the 2026 CEBL champion in one game.
More than 80 per cent of the lower bowl at Canada Life Centre has already been sold for the championship game, and fans who have not yet secured tickets are encouraged to do so.
SATURDAY TICKET INFORMATION
All tickets purchased for Saturday, August 15 will be honoured in full. Ticket holders will retain the same seats and game time, and no action is required.
SUNDAY GAME CANCELLED
The previously scheduled game on Sunday, August 16 will not be played.
Fans who purchased Sunday tickets through Ticketmaster will automatically receive a refund to their original method of payment. Ticketmaster will also provide purchasers with additional information by email.
Sea Bears Season Ticket Members who purchased additional Sunday tickets will have the option of receiving a credit on their membership account that can be applied toward 2027 season tickets or future ticket purchases, or requesting a refund to their original method of payment by contacting their account representative.
Ticket questions can be directed to the Winnipeg Sea Bears at (204) 815-0695 or tickets@seabears.ca.
PRE-GAME ACTIVITIES
Championship Saturday will begin before tip-off with the MNP pre-game party in True North Square beginning at 12:30 p.m. Doors to Canada Life Centre will open at 1:30 p.m.
Vocalist and tribute artist TJ Pepper will perform during the halftime show.
2026 CEBL CHAMPIONSHIP
Winnipeg Sea Bears vs. Brampton
Saturday, August 15, 2026
2:30 p.m. CT
Canada Life Centre
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Game tickets and additional information are available at www.seabears.ca.
The Winnipeg Sea Bears closed the regular season 14-10, finishing second in the Western Conference after a tough travel scenario contributed to a 114-90 loss in Vancouver on Sunday. The Sea Bears aren't dwelling on it. Head Coach and General Manager Mike Raimbault made clear the focus has already shifted. "At this point, we have to look past that and concentrate on the things that are ahead of us."
Against Saskatoon, the numbers are on Winnipeg's side. The Sea Bears went 3-1 against the Mamba this season and are a perfect 2-0 against them at home. That home court advantage figures to be a major factor and Raimbault is counting on the crowd to play a role. "We're going to need every ounce of energy those fans can give us. We expect this place to be as loud and supportive as they've been all season."
The biggest news heading into Thursday is the absence of Teddy Allen, who will not be available for the game. We continue to stand with Teddy and wish him a full and speedy recovery. The team's response has been resolute. "Obviously it's an unfortunate circumstance," said Xavier Moon, "but at the end of the day, we're here to do a job, and that's what we're gonna do."
To add depth up front for the postseason run, Winnipeg has signed forward Ben Stevens, with Emmanuel Akot and Jeremiah Tillman Jr both moving to the reserve roster. The 6'10" centre is no stranger to joining new teams at short notice, bringing four seasons of professional experience to the group. "It's a great organization, it was an easy decision," said Stevens. "Everywhere I've been, I've been a rebounder, and that's something I can absolutely do to help this team."
Saskatoon is playing well and Raimbault knows it. "They're shooting the ball great from range. We've got to control the dribble, make sure every shot is contested, and have a total team defensive effort."
Sea Bears Nation, you've been here all season and we need your energy now more than ever. You are our sixth man, pack the den Thursday night and let's go on this playoff run together. Playoff tickets are available now — get yours here.
The Winnipeg Sea Bears today announced the club has signed guard Jelani Watson-Gayle for the 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League season. Watson-Gayle previously played for Winnipeg during the Sea Bears' inaugural 2023 campaign and returns after three productive seasons of professional play overseas.
Watson-Gayle (6-1, 174 lbs, Fresno Pacific University; born: September 9, 1998, in London, United Kingdom) returns to Winnipeg after three seasons of professional play across the UK, Belgium, the Czech Republic, and Bulgaria. Most recently, he averaged 13.8 points, 6.6 assists, 3.2 rebounds and 1.4 steals in 36 games with Cherno More Ticha Varna of the Bulgarian NBL, shooting 41.4 per cent from three-point range and 81.2 per cent from the free throw line. He also appeared in three FIBA World Cup qualifying games for the British men's national team during the 2025-26 campaign.
"We're really pleased to welcome Jelani back to Winnipeg," said Head Coach and General Manager Mike Raimbault. "He was here for the inaugural season and he understands what this organization is building. The development he's shown internationally over the last three years gives us a lot of confidence in what he can contribute to this group."
Prior to his time in Bulgaria, Watson-Gayle put together one of his strongest professional seasons with Slavia Praha of the Czech Republic NBL in 2024-25, averaging 19.0 points, 4.7 assists and 3.3 rebounds per game across 25 games while shooting 49.7 per cent from two-point range. He has also represented Great Britain in EuroBasket competition, appearing in seven games across both qualifying rounds in 2025. Watson-Gayle began his professional career in 2022-23 with the Bristol Flyers of the British Basketball League, where he averaged 11.5 points, 3.4 assists and 3.1 rebounds across 41 games.
Watson-Gayle is no stranger to the Sea Bears or to Winnipeg. He was part of the franchise's inaugural 2023 roster, averaging 12.8 points, 3.4 assists, 3.6 rebounds and 1.0 steals in 20 games during the club's first CEBL season.
"I'm really looking forward to putting on the Sea Bears jersey again," said Watson-Gayle. "I loved playing in Winnipeg during the inaugural season, and I'm excited to rejoin the team, be part of the organization once more, and play in front of the fans who made that first season so special."
The Winnipeg Sea Bears have announced details for the 2026 Sea Bears Summer Series, a youth basketball camp experience led by Sea Bears Head Coach and General Manager Mike Raimbault, alongside Sea Bears players and assistant coaches.
The camps will give young athletes the opportunity to learn from the pros they cheer for while developing basketball fundamentals, improving their skills, and building confidence in a positive and energetic environment.
The Sea Bears Summer Series is open to youth ages 5-13, with three age-specific sessions scheduled throughout the summer at Sport Manitoba, located at 145 Pacific Avenue in Winnipeg.
Last Camp Session
July 28, 2026
Ages 11-12
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Sport Manitoba Courts,145 Pacific Ave, Winnipeg
Each session will focus on age-appropriate skill development, fundamentals, teamwork, and confidence-building, with instruction provided by Sea Bears coaches and players.
Campers are asked to bring running shoes, a water bottle, and a basketball if possible.
Each registered camper will receive a free Sea Bears Summer Series T-shirt and one ticket voucher to a Sea Bears home game during the 2026 season. Ticket voucher redemption terms and conditions are available through the Winnipeg Sea Bears.
A registration fee of $5.25 will apply. The fee has been introduced to help reduce no-shows and ensure spaces are reserved for participants who intend to attend, allowing organizers to plan effectively and provide the best experience possible for all campers.
Families are encouraged to plan their basketball summer early, as spaces are limited and are expected to fill quickly. Those interested can also sign up for the Sea Bears Insiders email list to receive early notice when registration opens.
Sign up as a Sea Bears Insider to get notified when future sessions are being offered.
Basketball Manitoba is pleased to share a special group ticket offer for Basketball Manitoba Night with the Winnipeg Sea Bears on Thursday, June 18 at 7:00 PM CT at Canada Life Centre, along with other home games this season.
Presented in collaboration with Basketball Manitoba. Clubs, teams, leagues, families, and basketball supporters across the province are encouraged to take advantage of the discounted group ticket offer and help fill the Den in support of Manitoba basketball.
The games will take place at:
Canada Life Centre
300 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3C 5S4
Tickets can be accessed through the dedicated Basketball Manitoba group offer link:
Those attending are encouraged to bring their club, team, or league and be part of a strong Manitoba basketball presence at Canada Life Centre for an exciting night of professional basketball.
The Winnipeg Sea Bears have announced the launch of the Winnipeg Sea Bears Foundation, a new charitable initiative dedicated to improving the health and well-being of Manitoban youth by removing barriers to sport and investing in public basketball spaces across the province. The Foundation builds on the Sea Bears’ community-focused work and aims to create more opportunities for young people to play, connect, and thrive.
“Basketball has the power to bring people together, build confidence, and create opportunity,” said Rhéanne Marcoux, President of the Winnipeg Sea Bears. “This launch is about making sure more Manitoban youth can experience those benefits, both on and off the court, while adding beauty to our province.”
Much of the Foundation’s court work is carried out in close partnership with Buckets & Borders, a community organization devoted to refurbishing public basketball courts and strengthening neighbourhoods through the game. Together, they are turning worn-down courts into spaces where young people want to gather and play.
"Buckets & Borders has proudly worked alongside the Winnipeg Sea Bears for years, united by a shared commitment to grow the game and bring people together across Manitoba,” said Justin Lee, CEO & Co-Founder of Buckets & Borders. “The formation of The Winnipeg Sea Bears Foundation is a testament to the Sea Bears' commitment to leading the way in community impact within professional sports in Canada. We're grateful to continue this partnership with an organization that matches our dedication to the game and the people who play it."
This year, the Foundation’s court refurbishment projects will revitalize public courts in Killarney and at Gordon Bell High School. The Killarney court is expected to be completed in late summer 2026, with the Gordon Bell court following in early fall. The Gordon Bell project is made possible in part by the generous support of TelPay, whose funding is helping bring the court back to life for the surrounding community.
The Foundation launches with significant momentum, supported by a $300,000 seed gift from David Asper, Chair of the Sea Bears and co-owner of the Canadian Elite Basketball League. The contribution will help fund the Foundation’s first wave of court projects and youth access programs.
“A basketball court is one of the most democratic places in any community. It doesn’t ask where you come from or what your family earns - it just asks you to show up and play,” said David Asper. “That open door changes lives, and I’ve seen it happen. I’m proud to help launch this Foundation because every young Manitoban deserves that chance, and I hope many others will join us to help build it.”
The Sea Bears and the Foundation are also committed to building on their existing partnership with Basketball Manitoba to grow the game at every level. That means investing not only in athletes and players, but in the coaches and officials who make the game possible across the province.
The Foundation is led by Executive Director Katie Dicks, a community-minded leader with more than a decade of experience in community relations, partnership development, event leadership, and program delivery. Her work spans community campaigns, charitable giving and sponsorships, and youth and outreach programs, from school visits and reading programs to bullying prevention and family events. Known for a collaborative approach that pairs heart with organization, she is focused on expanding access to basketball, strengthening youth programming, and creating opportunities that inspire the next generation.
“From our earliest days as a team, we’ve seen how sport can change a young person’s life,” said Katie Dicks. “This Foundation allows us to deepen that impact, making long-term investments in courts, in kids, and in the communities that support us.”
The Winnipeg Sea Bears Foundation is a Manitoba-based charitable organization dedicated to youth health, opportunity, and access to basketball. Individuals and organizations can support the Foundation through one-time donations, monthly giving, corporate sponsorships, and in-kind partnerships.
Basketball Manitoba and the Winnipeg Sea Bears have announced a special club year-end celebration opportunity for teams participating in the 2026 Manitoba Club Basketball Championships.
Club athletes, coaches, families, and supporters are invited to attend the Winnipeg Sea Bears’ Filipino Heritage Night on Friday, June 12, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at Canada Life Centre as part of a special Basketball Manitoba Club Championship Wind-Up event.
The partnership provides Basketball Manitoba club teams with access to discounted tickets while also offering an opportunity to win an exclusive post-game media experience with members of the Winnipeg Sea Bears organization.
As part of the promotion, club teams and their supporters can receive 20 per cent off regular-priced tickets for the June 12 game. In addition, every ticket purchased through the Basketball Manitoba promotion will count as an entry toward a contest where one club team will be selected to participate in a unique post-game experience following the game.
The winning team will have the opportunity to take part in a post-game media session featuring Winnipeg Sea Bears Head Coach and General Manager Mike Raimbault along with the game’s Player of the Game.
The initiative is intended to provide young athletes with a memorable conclusion to their club basketball season while creating additional opportunities to connect with Manitoba’s professional basketball team.
The contest entry deadline is Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. Teams wishing to be eligible for the post-game experience must have their ticket purchases completed by that time.
Discounted tickets, however, will remain available until tip-off on Friday, June 12.
The winning team will be contacted on the morning of game day and provided with details regarding the post-game experience, including meeting locations and event logistics.
Due to venue capacity limitations, participation in the post-game media experience will be limited to players and coaches from the selected winning team.
Basketball Manitoba and the Winnipeg Sea Bears encourage all club teams to take advantage of the opportunity to celebrate the conclusion of the spring club season while supporting professional basketball in Manitoba.
Event Details
Winnipeg Sea Bears Filipino Heritage Night
Friday, June 12, 2026 7:00 p.m. Canada Life Centre 300 Portage Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba
The Winnipeg Sea Bears have announced the club has signed forward Trevon Scott for the 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League season.
Scott (6-8, 225, University of Cincinnati; born: November 25, 1996, in Townsend, Georgia) returns to Winnipeg following a standout 2025–26 season split across three leagues. Scott suited up for the NBA G League's Long Island Nets, averaging 10.9 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.7 assists, while also appearing with the NBA's Brooklyn Nets, averaging 8 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists and logging time with the CEBL's Calgary Surge, where he averaged 8 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists per game.
A proven contributor in Winnipeg, Scott averaged 13 points, 7.6 rebounds and 1.5 assists with the Sea Bears during the 2024-25 CEBL season while simultaneously suiting up for the Long Island Nets in the G League. Scott has established himself as one of the most versatile big men in the CEBL, with previous appearances for the Calgary Surge and a consistent ability to impact games on both ends of the floor.
Over his professional career, Scott has suited up for the Brooklyn Nets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Long Island Nets, Greensboro Swarm, Osceola Magic, San Diego Clippers, Cleveland Charge, Salt Lake City Stars, and Fos Provence Basket in France's LNB Pro A. He is a four-year standout at the University of Cincinnati, where he was named AAC Defensive Player of the Year, AAC Most Improved Player and earned the league's Sportsmanship Award.
"I'm excited to be back here, and to play in front of those fans. I'm amped to team up with a few of my guys I've played with before," said Scott. "When I got there last summer, me and Mike Raimbault connected with each other fast, so it's always good to play for a coach you have good chemistry with. And I can't forget about my teammate now coach Alex Campbell, the chemistry is there so it makes everything easier."
Don't miss NBA Forward Trevon Scott in action on June 12, 2026.
May 22, 2026 – Winnipeg, MB - David Asper, owner and Chair of the Winnipeg Sea Bears, has announced the appointment of Rhéanne Marcoux as team President, effective June 1, 2026. Marcoux has been serving as Chief Brand and Experience Officer since January 2026, and prior to that, worked closely with the Sea Bears as an external consultant and staff mentor. Asper will remain as Chair of the Sea Bears and, as a co-owner of the Canadian Elite Basketball League, will continue as the team’s Director on the League Board, where he currently serves on its Executive Committee.
“Rhéanne is a proven success in professional sports in Winnipeg, and her impact with the Bombers is truly national – for both the team and the CFL itself,” said Asper. “Since joining the Sea Bears, she has fundamentally transformed how this organization operates, from implementing new systems and processes to establishing long-term team culture across the organization. This appointment is the natural next step, and I’m looking forward to having our fans and our entire organization benefit from her leadership.”
Over an 11-year tenure with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Marcoux rose from the marketing department to Vice President, Marketing and Communications for the 112th Grey Cup, where she led the brand strategy, content creation, fan engagement, and communications apparatus for one of the CFL’s most iconic franchises. Her work culminated in overseeing the marketing and communications efforts for the 2026 Grey Cup Festival, a national tentpole event that showcased Winnipeg on the country’s biggest stage.
Prior to her time with the Blue Bombers, Marcoux built a diverse career across broadcast journalism with Radio Canada, sports marketing with True North Sports and Entertainment, and as founder of her own creative agency. She holds a degree in communications and is an alumna of Red River College and the University of Winnipeg.
A content strategist, design specialist, multimedia expert, and brand builder, Marcoux is known for her ability to create emotional connections between fans and the brands they love. Her approach goes beyond traditional advertising – it’s rooted in storytelling, creative ambition, and a deep understanding of what turns casual fans into lifelong ones.
Since arriving at the Sea Bears in January 2026, Marcoux has implemented a new CRM, launched a marketing automation system, introduced project management infrastructure, and led a brand and culture reset across the organization. As President, she will oversee all business operations, brand strategy, revenue, marketing, ticketing, partnerships, fan experience, and community engagement.
“When I came on board, I saw an organization with incredible potential and a fan base that was ready for more,” said Marcoux. “Over the past several months, we’ve been building new foundations – new systems, new processes and a new way of working together. There’s a lot of building left to do, but we are so fortunate to have a fantastic staff and I’m excited to continue to grow the Sea Bears organization together.”
Winnipeg, MB, May 14, 2026 — The Winnipeg Sea Bears today announced the club has signed point guard Trey McGowens for the upcoming Canadian Elite Basketball League season.
McGowens (6-3, 190, University of Pittsburgh; born: May 15, 2000, in Pendleton, South Carolina) arrives in Winnipeg following a 2025–26 season with the NBA G League’s Austin Spurs, where he averaged 6.4 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game. McGowens also competed in the EuroCup with the Trefl Sopot in Poland.
In 2023–24, McGowens split time between three NBA G League teams; the Long Island Nets, College Park Skyhawks and Raptors 905, and made his first CEBL appearance with the Edmonton Stingers, where he led the team in scoring at 15.7 points per game while adding 4.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.2 steals. With the College Park Skyhawks in that same season, he averaged 12.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 2.9 steals across seven games.
McGowens has also represented the United States on the international stage and was named MVP of the 2023 FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup in Lublin, Poland, leading Team USA to a gold medal in the country’s first-ever U23 World Cup title. McGowens finished as the tournament’s top scorer with 54 points and starred in the gold-medal final with 10 points in a 21–3 victory over Israel.
The point guard played four collegiate seasons across the University of Pittsburgh (2018-19) and the University of Nebraska. As a freshman at Pittsburgh, he set the freshman single-game records for points (33), steals (7) and free throws (18), and was named ACC Rookie of the Week in both December 2018 and January 2019. After transferring to Nebraska, he averaged 10.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.4 steals per game in 2020–21, ranking among the Big Ten leaders in scoring, assists and steals.
The Sea Bears home opener is this Saturday, May 16 against the Saskatoon Mamba. Don't miss out, the first 5,000 fans through the doors get a free pair of Sea Bears Summer sunglasses. Get your tickets today.
The Winnipeg Sea Bears are set to begin their fourth season in the Canadian Elite Basketball League with heightened expectations, a revamped roster, and one of the strongest collections of Manitoba basketball talent ever assembled by the franchise.
Following a trip to the 2025 CEBL Championship Weekend semifinals, the Sea Bears enter Season 4 under new Head Coach and General Manager Mike Raimbault, a longtime Manitoba basketball leader and current University of Winnipeg Wesmen head coach. Raimbault takes the lead on a franchise that has quickly become one of the league’s premier organizations both on the court and at the gate since joining the CEBL in 2023.
The 2026 roster blends experienced professional talent, returning fan favourites, high-level imports, and a strong Manitoba presence. Returning stars include Teddy Allen, Emmanuel Akot, Nathan Bilamu, and Simon Hildebrandt, while major additions include CEBL superstar Xavier Moon, veteran forward Kevin Cross Jr., dynamic scorer Davion Warren, and former NBA G League and international standout David Walker.
The Sea Bears have continued to prioritize Manitoba talent throughout the offseason with Winnipeg products Kyler Filewich and Mason Kraus, joining Hildebrandt and Akot, all earning roster spots heading into the season. Filewich returns following his first professional season overseas after beginning his pro career with the Sea Bears in 2025, while Hildebrandt returns to his hometown club after continuing to establish himself as one of the top young Canadian players in the country.
The Winnipeg Sea Bears will also enter the 2026 season with an entirely revamped coaching staff led by newly appointed Head Coach and General Manager Mike Raimbault, one of the most respected basketball leaders in Manitoba. Raimbault is joined by a diverse and experienced coaching group that blends professional, collegiate, and player development backgrounds. Former Sea Bears player Alex Campbell takes on the role of Lead Assistant Coach and Assistant General Manager after previously serving as a player and leader within the organization. Jeremy Wielenga, Ilarion Bonhomme, and Steven Wesley round out the staff as assistant coaches, bringing additional experience in high-performance training, skill development, and professional basketball systems. Together, the staff reflects the organization’s commitment to building a strong basketball culture while continuing to strengthen connections to Manitoba’s growing basketball community.
2026 Winnipeg Sea Bears Roster
#17 Xavier Moon — 6’2” — Guard — Goodwater, AL
#7 Emmanuel Akot — 6’8” — Guard — Winnipeg, MB
#1 David Walker — 6’4” — Guard — Toronto, ON
#2 Fareed Owei — 6’6” — Forward — Edmonton, AB
#13 Nathan Bilamu — 6’5” — Guard — Hamilton, ON
#23 Isiah Osborne — 6’5” — Guard — Windsor, ON
#15 Simon Hildebrandt — 6’9” — Forward — Winnipeg, MB
#8 Teddy Allen — 6’6” — Guard — Phoenix, AZ
#5 Mason Kraus — 6’3” — Guard — Winnipeg, MB
#35 Jeremiah Tilmon Jr. — 6’10” — Centre — East St. Louis, IL
#3 Davion Warren — 6’6” — Guard — Buffalo, NY
#14 Kyler Filewich — 6’9” — Centre — Winnipeg, MB
In addition to the official roster, several Manitoba athletes were invited to the club’s 2026 training camp as part of the organization’s continued commitment to local player development. Those local training camp players included:
Ramogi Nyagudi (UM)
Ryan Luke (UW)
Elijah Mensah (UW)
Daren Watts (UM)
Kato Jaro (UW)
The Sea Bears will once again play all home games at Canada Life Centre in downtown Winnipeg, where the franchise has consistently ranked among the Canadian Elite Basketball League leaders in attendance and game-day atmosphere.
2026 Winnipeg Sea Bears Home Schedule
Saturday, May 16 vs Saskatchewan – 7:00 pm
Friday, May 22 vs Niagara – 7:00 pm
Sunday, May 31 vs Montreal – 2:30 pm
Friday, June 12 vs Calgary – 7:00 pm
Thursday, June 18 vs Vancouver – 7:00 pm
Saturday, June 20 vs Edmonton – 3:00 pm
Thursday, June 25 vs Ottawa – 7:00 pm
Tuesday, June 30 vs Saskatchewan – 7:00 pm
Thursday, July 9 vs Edmonton – 7:00 pm
Sunday, July 12 vs Calgary – 2:30 pm
Sunday, July 19 vs Montreal – 2:30 pm
Thursday, July 23 vs Scarborough – 7:00 pm
All Winnipeg Sea Bears games during the 2026 season can be streamed live across Canada on CBC Gem.
Tickets for all home games and additional team information are available at:
Since entering the CEBL in 2023, the Sea Bears have rapidly become one of the most visible and impactful basketball organizations in Manitoba history. Through partnerships with local basketball groups, schools, grassroots initiatives, and community programming, the organization continues to play a major role in the ongoing growth of basketball throughout the province.
With increased local representation, veteran star power, and one of the most experienced rosters in franchise history, the Winnipeg Sea Bears enter Season 4 with legitimate championship aspirations and growing excitement surrounding professional basketball in Manitoba.
The Winnipeg Sea Bears have announced the launch of the Sea Bears Summer Series, a youth basketball camp set to take place on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at Sport Manitoba.
The two-hour session will run from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. CT and is open to athletes aged 9 to 15. The camp will provide a structured, high-energy environment focused on skill development, confidence building, and fundamental basketball training.
Led by Sea Bears Head Coach and General Manager Mike Raimbault, the session will also feature current players and assistant coaches, offering participants direct access to professional-level instruction. The program is designed to support athletes at various stages of development, from beginners to those looking to elevate their performance.
As part of the experience, each registered participant will receive a ticket voucher to a Sea Bears home game during the 2026 season, adding a direct connection between camp participation and the live professional game environment.
A $5.25 registration fee is required to confirm participation. The fee has been implemented to reduce no-shows and ensure optimal planning for the session. All proceeds from the registration fee will be donated to a charitable initiative selected by Manitoba Blue Cross, reinforcing the program’s commitment to community impact.
EVENT DETAILS
Sea Bears Summer Series
Date: Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. CT
Location: Sport Manitoba — 145 Pacific Avenue
Ages: 9–15
Winnipeg, MB, April 28, 2026 — The Winnipeg Sea Bears today announced the club has signed forward Kevin Cross Jr. for the upcoming Canadian Elite Basketball League season.
Cross Jr. arrives in Winnipeg off back-to-back stints in China. Most recently, he played for the Tianjin Pioneers in the 2025–26 season, averaging 9.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game. Earlier in 2025, he played for Hunan Changsha, posting 24.2 points and 10.4 rebounds per game.
Prior to his time in China, Cross Jr. played for Zonkeys de Tijuana in 2025, averaging 16.5 points and 8.8 rebounds in 26 minutes per game. In the 2024–25 NBA G League season with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, he averaged 8.3 points and 5.0 rebounds in 15.5 minutes per game. He also played in the 2024–25 NBA Summer League with the Charlotte Hornets and signed with MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg in Germany’s BBL in 2023–24.
Cross Jr. has also represented his country on the international stage, suiting up for the United States at the World University Games in Chengdu, China, where he helped the team earn a bronze medal.
“Kevin is an experienced and versatile forward who can help us at multiple positions,” said Head Coach and General Manager Mike Raimbault. “He brings toughness, playmaking and versatility to our group this summer.”
"I hear that Winnipeg has some of the best fans in the CEBL. I'm excited to be a part of the culture and bring home a lot of wins," Cross Jr. said.
Cross Jr. played five collegiate seasons across the University of Nebraska and Tulane University. At Nebraska in 2019–20, he ranked fifth among all Big Ten true freshmen in rebounding and seventh in scoring, appearing in all 32 games. At Tulane from 2020–24, he developed into one of the American Athletic Conference’s top forwards — earning AAC Most Improved Player of the Year and All-AAC Third Team honours in 2021–22, where he ranked first in the AAC in field goal percentage (.520) and first in defensive rebounds (5.85 per game). In 2022–23, he broke Tulane’s AAC semifinals record with 24 points and 13 rebounds against Wichita State, earning AAC Third Team All-Conference and NABC All-District 24 honours. He capped his collegiate career in 2023–24 averaging 17.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game.
The 2026 Sea Bears take the court on May 3 before the home opener — and only Season Ticket Members get in. Secure your spot at the exclusive Intersquad Game before anyone else sees this roster in action.Become one today.
.jpg)
.jpg)
