The Calgary Surge are revving their engines for the 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season, officially shifting into what they're calling 'OVERDRIVE' mode. This new campaign follows a landmark 2025 season dubbed 'TRILOGY,' which saw the franchise achieve unprecedented success both on and off the court.
Building on a Championship-Caliber Foundation
The momentum is undeniable. The Surge's 2025 'TRILOGY' season was a resounding triumph, earning the organization the prestigious CEBL Franchise of the Year award and the title of 2025 Western Conference Champions. The team captivated fans across Alberta, playing in three different venues—the WinSport Event Centre, Scotiabank Saddledome, and Red Deer's Marchant Crane Centrium—and drawing record-breaking crowds in the process.
"Building on the momentum of 'TRILOGY,' we're shifting into 'OVERDRIVE' with a relentless focus on basketball excellence, fan experience powered by great art and entertainment, as well as continued community impact," stated team president Dylan Howe. He emphasized the team's urgent pursuit of its first CEBL championship and its commitment to energizing the Calgary community.
The 2026 Roadmap: Key Dates and New Playoff Format
The path for the 2026 season is now set. The Surge will embark on their 24-game regular season, split evenly between 12 home and 12 road contests, running from May 9 to August 3.
Calgary's campaign tips off on the road against the Ottawa BlackJacks on Tuesday, May 12, at 5:30 p.m. local time. Fans in Calgary will get their first live look at the 'OVERDRIVE' era when the Surge host their home opener against the Scarborough Shooting Stars on Thursday, May 28, at 7:30 p.m. at the WinSport Event Centre.
The 2026 season marks a significant evolution for the CEBL, introducing a full in-market playoff model. The postseason begins with single-elimination conference semifinals on August 6, followed by conference finals on August 8. The pinnacle of the season will be a historic best-of-three CEBL Finals series from August 12–16, the first multi-game championship series in league history.
Accelerating On and Off the Court
The 'OVERDRIVE' theme signifies more than just a slogan. The organization has outlined clear goals to accelerate in three key areas: elevating on-court performance to championship levels, deepening engagement with the Calgary community, and amplifying the high-energy game-day experience that has become their trademark.
With a solidified schedule and a clear vision, the Calgary Surge are positioned to cement their status as one of the most dynamic professional sports attractions in Western Canada. The complete 2026 schedule is available for fans at calgarysurge.ca/schedule.
