Winnipeg, MB – The Winnipeg Sea Bears announced today that the team has renewed its lease at Canada Life Centre for an additional three seasons. The agreement ensures that Manitoba’s professional basketball team will continue to call the downtown arena home through the 2028 season. Since tipping off in 2023, the Sea Bears have drawn record-breaking crowds and created unforgettable moments at Canada Life Centre, establishing the arena as one of the premier basketball venues in Canada. “Canada Life Centre has been an incredible venue for us to play in and grow the game of basketball in Manitoba,” said Team Owner, David Asper. “The atmosphere our fans create in this building is unmatched in the league, and we are thrilled to keep building on that energy in the years ahead.” The Sea Bears thank True North Sports + Entertainment for their continued partnership and support. “We are deeply grateful to True North Sports + Entertainment for helping us establish our roots and for sharing our vision of growing professional basketball in Winnipeg,” said Asper. “Together, we are creating a home-court experience that is truly special.” “We were thrilled to play a role in the exciting launch of the Sea Bears and share in their excitement as they look ahead,” said Kevin Donnelly, Senior Vice President, Venues & Entertainment for True North Sports + Entertainment. “This is a great product that provides incredible value and entertainment for the fans. We congratulate the Sea Bears organization on a great start and share their long-term vision.” The lease renewal marks another exciting step forward for the Sea Bears as the team continues to expand its reach both on and off the court, inspiring the next generation of athletes and uniting the community through basketball.
WINNIPEG – The Winnipeg Sea Bears and Travel Manitoba will be sending another lucky family north this October. The Zirk family were the 2025 winners of the team’s “See the Bears” contest. The contest ran throughout the season at every home game, giving fans in attendance the chance to enter to win the dream trip, valued at more than $29,400. Thanks to Travel Manitoba and Frontiers North Adventures, the Zirk family will enjoy a round-trip adventure to Churchill, including: A full-day Tundra Buggy Adventure Churchill Town & Area Tour, Polar Bears International House and Parks Canada Presentation Accommodation and meals throughout the trip With the 2025 season wrapped, the Sea Bears now turn their attention to an exciting 2026, when the team will build on a landmark year and continue growing the game across Manitoba. Season tickets for 2026 are on sale now. For more information, visit seabears.ca.
WINNIPEG – The Winnipeg Sea Bears of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), together with the True North Youth Foundation, are proud to announce the donation of proceeds from the 2025 Cambrian Credit Union 50/50 program. A total of $54,250 was raised, thanks to the generous support of Sea Bears fans. Of this amount, 70% will support our ongoing partnership with Buckets & Borders, whose community basketball projects continue to revitalize spaces and bring people together through the game. The remaining 30% will support Project 11, the True North Youth Foundation’s mental health initiative that provides free in-classroom programming for students from kindergarten through Grade 12. This summer, with the support of 50/50 proceeds, Buckets & Borders completed two major basketball court restoration projects: Northwood Community Centre and R.B. Russell Vocational School. Both courts now provide vibrant, accessible spaces for youth to play and connect, and the Sea Bears and Buckets & Borders are already planning additional projects in the coming years to grow basketball across Manitoba. “Winnipeg’s basketball scene is thriving. To help fuel that growth, Buckets & Borders proudly partnered with the Winnipeg Sea Bears to restore basketball courts all over the city, an ongoing partnership since 2023. Proceeds from the in-game 50/50 draw are vital to continuing this work, and we’re deeply grateful to the Sea Bears’ fans for their generous support.” said Justin Lee, CEO of Buckets & Borders. "As a member-owned financial institution with deep ties to our community, Cambrian is proud to support the Winnipeg Sea Bears and the incredible work being done through the 50/50 program," said David Mortimer, President & CEO, Cambrian Credit Union. "Seeing the proceeds go directly to revitalizing community spaces and supporting youth mental health aligns perfectly with our commitment to creating positive change in the communities we serve." “The Sea Bears remain deeply committed to making a positive impact in our community and working alongside incredible organizations like Buckets & Borders and Cambrian Credit Union allows us to create opportunities that go beyond the game, building connections, celebrating inclusivity, and helping make Winnipeg an even stronger, more vibrant place to live” said Jason Smith, President of the Winnipeg Sea Bears. ###
WINNIPEG – The Winnipeg Sea Bears announced today that veteran guard Alex Campbell has retired from professional basketball and will transition into a new role as the club’s Assistant General Manager and Assistant Coach. Campbell, a cornerstone of the Sea Bears roster over the past two seasons, leaves behind a decorated CEBL playing career to embark on the next chapter of his basketball journey in Winnipeg. Known for his leadership, defensive tenacity, and clutch performances, Campbell will now bring those same qualities to the sidelines and the front office. The move marks the first coaching staff decision made by newly appointed General Manager and Head Coach Mike Raimbault, who officially took the helm on August 28. “Alex is a veteran of the league and brings a wealth of experience to his new role with the organization,” said Raimbault. “He has been a Sea Bear since day one and we are excited to continue supporting him as he steps into his new role on the staff. “ A seasoned professional with seven years of CEBL experience, Campbell made history in 2024 when he became the first Canadian player to reach 1,000 career points. He achieved the milestone with a dramatic target-score three-pointer to win Winnipeg’s home opener against the Scarborough Shooting Stars. Campbell is currently an Assistant Coach with the University of Saskatchewan Huskies men’s basketball team. “This game has given me so much, and I’m grateful for every teammate, coach, and fan I’ve met along the way,” said Campbell. “Winnipeg has become home for me, and I’m honoured to continue giving back to this team and this city in my new role. I’m excited to help build something special here.” Over his CEBL career, Campbell suited up for the Vancouver Bandits, Fraser Valley Bandits and Saskatchewan Rattlers, where he was named 2019 Championship Weekend MVP. He retired ranked fifth all-time in points scored and fifth in all-time steals, cementing his place as one of the league’s all-time greats. ###
Winnipeg, MB – The Winnipeg Sea Bears announce the hiring of Kevin Hughes as the organization’s new Senior Director of Business Development. Hughes brings more than a decade of experience in corporate partnerships, premium seating, media sales, and business development, with a proven track record of driving revenue growth and cultivating strong community and corporate relationships. Hughes most recently served as Director of Corporate Partnerships and Premium Seating with the Winnipeg Football Club, where he played a pivotal role in transforming the team’s business operations. Prior to his role with the Winnipeg Football Club, Hughes held leadership positions with Bell Media, where he helped drive advertising and promotional growth across TSN, CTV, and multiple radio stations. In his new role, Hughes will oversee the Sea Bears’ corporate partnerships and business development strategy, working to expand the team’s reach and strengthen its ties across Manitoba and beyond. ###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 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. About Smith Events:
Smith Events is a Winnipeg-based event management and consulting company led by Jason Smith. With decades of experience delivering large-scale cultural, entertainment, and sporting events such as the Juno Awards, the Grey Cup, the Heritage Classic hockey game, The Winnipeg Jets Whiteout Street Parties and more, Smith Events has built a reputation for creating memorable experiences and bringing ambitious large-scale projects to life. The company partners with organizations across sectors to design, produce, and execute events that engage communities and deliver meaningful impact.