FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. Who are the Winnipeg Sea Bears?
We are the newest Canadian Elite Basketball League franchise, launching on November 30, 2022. We began playing at Canada Life Centre for the 2023 season, finishing the regular season tied for the best record in the West before exiting the playoffs against Edmonton. Our amazing and passionate fans have made a name for themselves, setting several new CEBL attendance records in our inaugural season.
Q. What is the Canadian Elite Basketball League?
The CEBL consists of 10 teams located in six provinces that compete in Canada’s largest pro sports league. It is basketball’s version of the Canadian Football League, playing one tier below the NBA. Nine players have moved on to play in the NBA after first playing in the CEBL.
The CEBL is the only pro league in Canada affiliated with FIBA, the world governing body for basketball, and Canada Basketball, and has relationships with the NBA, NBA G League, top international pro leagues, and blue-chip sponsors. The CEBL is the only FIBA league in North America and is among the best of the 200 pro basketball leagues operating around the world. There are more than 400 Canadians playing professional basketball around the world, and each summer about 100 of the best ones play in the CEBL.
A league created by Canadians for Canadians, the CEBL has the highest percentage of Canadian players of any pro league in the country with 71 percent of its current team rosters being Canadian. Players bring experience from the NBA, NBA G League, top international leagues, the Canadian National team program, and top NCAA programs as well as U Sports. After or before playing during the traditional fall-winter basketball season, players and coaches further develop their skills during the May-August CEBL season.
Q. What is a Sea Bears game like?
Our games provide edge-of-your-seat excitement! With high end talent playing just one level below the NBA, the CEBL features former and future NBA players, as well as players from the NBA G League, Canadian National Team program, top international pro leagues, and from major NCAA and U Sports programs. It’s the only FIBA affiliated league in North America, with slight rules variations that make the pace of play faster and the games shorter (less than two hours in duration). The CEBL was the first league in the world to fully adopt the exciting Elam Ending, now called the “Target Score” which is being incorporated into NBA G League games for the first time. Join us for an electrifying night of basketball, music, entertainment and more!
Q. When does the Sea Bears’ CEBL season tip off?
The 2024 regular season tips off on the road against the Saskatchewan Rattlers on May 22 while our home opener is set for May 24 following a nine-day training camp. Each CEBL team plays 20 regular season games, 10 at home and 10 on the road. The regular season ends around the first week of August with single-game knockout playoff rounds to follow. The 2024 Championship Weekend is slated for mid-August at Verdun Auditorium, home of the Montreal Alliance.
Q. Where do the Winnipeg Sea Bears play?
We’re excited to call the Canada Life Centre our home - a venue that puts fans into the action and includes courtside seats, table seating, and comfortable bowl seats that have backs on them to help provide an exceptional basketball experience! The Canada Life Centre is easy to reach from all areas of the city and is located downtown, in the heart of Winnipeg.
Q. Where can fans get tickets?
Season tickets are on sale now! Please click here for more information. Flex packs are the next best option and are available here. Single game tickets will go on sale in mid-April.
Q. What’s included in a season ticket package?
The 2024 season ticket package will include ten regular season games plus one potential playoff game. Season ticket holders enjoy the best discount on seats at 20% off. They also have priority selection to choose their seats ahead of the rush, 15% off all merchandise all season long, exclusive friends and family pricing and more!
Q. How much do tickets cost?
Tickets start as low as $24 when purchased on a full-season basis.
Q. Are there printed tickets?
Mobile tickets are the only method of entry to Sea Bears games. Simply load your tickets on your mobile phone, scan the barcode at the entrance door, and enjoy the game!
Q. Are there in and out privileges at the Canada Life Centre?
There are no in and out privileges at the Canada Life Centre.
Q. Do children need a ticket?
Children two years old and younger at game day do not require their own ticket for entry. They must sit on a guardian’s lap and not take up a seat. Any child over the age of two must have their own ticket for entry.
Q. Are there accessible seats?
The Canada Life Centre provides accessible seating with the option to purchase an adjacent companion seat at the same price.
Q. Do you allow refunds?
There are no refunds on any ticket(s). Exchange privileges are available exclusively as a benefit to season ticket-holders.
Q. Where can I learn more or have other questions answered?
For any additional questions, please email info@seabears.ca