The Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) is bringing professional basketball to the Yukon Territory for the first time. The Calgary Surge (0-5) will face the host Saskatoon Mamba (2-4) on July 3 at Takhini Arena in Whitehorse, headlining the inaugural Snowline Gold 2026 REAL North Classic. This Canada Day weekend event will also feature a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, a coaches clinic, and a youth basketball skills camp.
The game is the result of efforts by Jason Ribeiro and Usman Tahir Jutt, owners of both the Surge and the Mamba through their company REAL Entertainment & Culture Inc. The Mamba was rebranded from the Saskatchewan Rattlers earlier this year. Ribeiro cited a desire to engage underserved communities and bring the CEBL to new regions as motivation for the neutral-site contest.
“Why own two teams in the CEBL? Because we’re proud Canadians,” Ribeiro said. “And why Whitehorse and the Yukon? Because we’re proud Canadians.”
This marks the fifth neutral-site regular-season game in CEBL history, with REAL having organized four of them, including events in Red Deer and Lethbridge. The multi-day event runs from July 1-4 and is supported by the Government of Yukon and Air North. Activities will include mascot appearances during the Canada Day parade and a 3x3 tournament organized by local sports groups.
