Calgary Surge and Saskatoon Mamba to Play First Pro Basketball Game in Whitehorse

The Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) is set to make history next month by hosting a regular season game in Whitehorse, Yukon. This will be the first professional basketball game ever played in the territory.

The Calgary Surge will face off against the Saskatoon Mamba at Takhini Arena, bringing professional basketball action to Yukon fans for the very first time.

Jason Ribeiro, president of the Calgary Surge, called the event “historic” and said it marks a significant moment for Canadian basketball and the country as a whole. “This is something historic, the first professional basketball game ever played in Canada’s territories,” Ribeiro said.

Ribeiro’s motivation for bringing a CEBL game to the Yukon stems from his love for Canada and a desire to share professional sports with regions that don’t often have that opportunity. He views the occasion as more than just a milestone—it’s a statement about Canadian sport’s reach and inclusivity.

“Who it should reach and what it can mean when we choose to bring opportunities to places that have too often been overlooked,” Ribeiro added.

The league’s visit will extend beyond the match itself. Players and staff will spend four days in the community, taking part in a 3-on-3 tournament, conducting basketball camps for youth, and joining the Canada Day parade.

Looking ahead, Ribeiro confirmed plans to return to the Yukon with the league in 2027 and 2028. “We want to leave something behind that lasts long after the whistle, the final buzzer and the final applause,” he said.

The event will also celebrate local culture and art. Ribeiro highlighted that fans can expect to experience Indigenous storytelling moments throughout the four-day schedule. “This will be a celebration of community and the north,” he noted.

Sean McCarron, a Whitehorse-based high school teacher and basketball coach, expressed excitement about the impact this game will have on local players. He highlighted that the matchup is a genuine professional league game with playoff implications, not just an exhibition.

“I’m really excited,” McCarron said. “A professional league game, this isn’t an exhibition, these teams are vying for playoff seeding and that sort of thing. I think it’s really going to be special.”

The Calgary Surge and Saskatoon Mamba will tip off on July 3 at Takhini Arena in Whitehorse.