Saskatchewan Mamba: New Owners Advocate for Canadian Basketball League Inclusion
In a bold move for Canadian sports, Jason Ribeiro, co-chairman of the Saskatoon Mamba, asserts that a truly Canadian professional basketball league must include Saskatchewan. This declaration comes as the franchise, formerly known as the Saskatchewan Rattlers, undergoes a significant rebranding and strategic overhaul under new ownership.
A Personal Journey to Professional Leadership
Ribeiro's connection to basketball runs deep, beginning with solitary games on cracked asphalt as one of the few kids of color in his neighborhood. Now, as a father and sports executive, he is committed to ensuring Saskatoon's youth have a more inclusive and engaging experience with the sport. "I am focused on making sure this city’s youth have a different experience — one that reflects Saskatoon’s best and builds a sustainable, inclusive presence in the community," Ribeiro emphasizes.
This sentiment marks a departure from the past seven seasons, during which the franchise often felt precarious to fans, leaving them questioning its future in the province.
Securing Saskatchewan's Place in the CEBL
Driven by the belief that Canada needs more basketball, Ribeiro and business partner Usman Tahir Jutt stepped up to secure the province's Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) franchise in December. Despite also operating the Calgary Surge, they have long viewed Saskatoon and Saskatchewan as prime locations for business and community development.
Since taking ownership just 40 days ago, the new leadership has moved swiftly, rejecting a risk-averse approach that previously left the club at the bottom of league metrics. "The safer move would have been to tinker at the edges and give people exactly what they expect or have seen to date," Ribeiro notes, highlighting past struggles with ticket sales, sponsorship, attendance, and digital growth.
Strategic Rebranding and Operational Changes
The franchise's rebrand to the Saskatoon Mamba symbolizes a fresh start, with plans to split the 2026 schedule between Merlis Belsher Place and SaskTel Centre to better accommodate fans. On the basketball front, targeted steps are being taken to address six seasons of uneven results, including changes in basketball operations and the imminent hiring of a new head coach and general manager. The goal is clear: bring a second CEBL championship to Saskatchewan.
Ribeiro stresses that the name "Saskatchewan Mamba" will only be adopted after meaningful engagement with surrounding communities and authentic relationship-building across the province. This commitment to community integration is central to the team's new era, aiming to shake things up and win for both Saskatoon and Treaty 6 territories.
With basketball's popularity soaring as Canada's second most popular youth sport, evidenced by the 17 nets and hoops spotted on a recent 10-minute drive around Saskatoon, the Mamba's efforts could play a pivotal role in solidifying Saskatchewan's place in the national basketball landscape.
