The Manitoba government is proud to have supported the Winnipeg Sea Bears’ winning bid to host the 2025 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) Championship Weekend next summer.
“Manitoba is having a moment, and the Sea Bears are part of the excitement our province is feeling,” said Premier Wab Kinew. “We’re proud to host Championship Weekend next year and we’re ready to showcase the kind of hospitality and sports excellence our province offers. This event will bring economic activity to our downtown, attract tourists and promote our province. My family is looking forward to it – and I’ll keep working on my three-pointer in preparation.”
2023 was the inaugural season for the Winnipeg Sea Bears, marking the CEBL’s fourth expansion since launching in 2019. The Sea Bears’ season was extremely successful, with four sold-out home games and the top six attendance records in CEBL history in their first eight games.
The Manitoba government is providing $1 million to support bringing the 2025 CEBL Championship Weekend to Winnipeg. In addition, the province is investing $450,000 over three years for the team’s initial operations, the premier noted.
“The Winnipeg Sea Bears’ inaugural season was wildly successful and demonstrates the passion for basketball in our province,” said Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Glen Simard. “We are thrilled to support the Sea Bears’ winning bid to host the 2025 CEBL Championship Weekend. Bringing this event to Manitoba will bring our community together, and will bring economic benefits for our downtown restaurants, bars and hotels.”
Championship Weekend 2025 will feature the CEBL’s top teams and a festival that includes the league awards and live performances from top local and Canadian artists. It will also feature a three-on-three basketball event and community legacy projects in partnership with Basketball Manitoba and Buckets and Borders, among other activities. It is anticipated that the weekend will bring in more than 1,300 visitors and engage more than 10,000 spectators through a variety of activities and programming.
“Hosting Championship Weekend 2025 is an incredible opportunity and we look forward to continuing to showcase the great basketball community here in Manitoba,” said Jason Smith, president, Winnipeg Sea Bears. “It gives us another chance to really show our appreciation for our fans and I’m excited to celebrate basketball together with a great weekend of festivities and entertainment.”
Hosting the championship and related festivities is estimated to result in a more than $4.5-million boost in economic activities, the premier added.
