FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – The Winnipeg Sea Bears announced today that Jason Smith will be transitioning out of his role as President over the coming months. Smith helped establish the franchise and led the Sea Bears through its first three seasons. When Smith was first engaged to guide the due diligence process, finalize the franchise deal, and bring the Sea Bears to life, he committed to dedicating himself fully to the team for its crucial early years. With that three-year commitment coming to an end this fall, Smith will step back from day-to-day duties in order to rebalance his professional life, including devoting more time to his company, Smith Events, while maintaining a strong connection to the Sea Bears. Under a new agreement, Smith will remain with the organization in a consulting capacity, focusing on a variety of strategic projects and continuing to provide guidance and expertise as the team enters its next phase of growth. Team Owner and Chairman David Asper will serve as President and Chief Executive Officer as the Sea Bears restructure. “We’re all very fortunate that three years ago Jason agreed to set aside a very successful business and stable personal life and commit all his energy to launching the Sea Bears, which we knew would be all-encompassing and chaotic”, said David Asper. “He’s a co-founder of the team, always will be, and I look forward to continuing our relationship with big goals yet to achieve.” “It has been an honour to serve as President of the Sea Bears and to help create something so special for the city and province,” said Smith. “I look forward to supporting David and the team through this transition and into the next chapter, while also returning focus to Smith Events and other projects that allow me to contribute in new ways.” This transition sets the stage for the next phase of the Sea Bears’ growth, as the team continues to strengthen its place in the local and national professional sports landscape. ### About the Winnipeg Sea Bears: 
The Winnipeg Sea Bears are a professional basketball team in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), proudly representing Winnipeg and Manitoba on the national stage. Since their debut, the Sea Bears have become a community leader, delivering top-tier basketball and fan experiences while contributing to the growth of the sport across Canada. About Smith Events: 
Smith Events is a Winnipeg-based event management and consulting company led by Jason Smith. With decades of experience delivering large-scale cultural, entertainment, and sporting events such as the Juno Awards, the Grey Cup, the Heritage Classic hockey game, The Winnipeg Jets Whiteout Street Parties and more, Smith Events has built a reputation for creating memorable experiences and bringing ambitious large-scale projects to life. The company partners with organizations across sectors to design, produce, and execute events that engage communities and deliver meaningful impact.

WINNIPEG – The Winnipeg Sea Bears of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) have retained the first right to negotiate with eight members of their 2025 team for the 2026 season. In the CEBL, all players are on single-season contracts, which means every club must sign its full roster each spring. Free agency for the 2025 season begins Feb. 1. Each club is granted the right to negotiate with players on their protected list from now until Mar. 1 without interference from other CEBL teams. Any player left unsigned after that deadline will become a free agent and be able to sign with any CEBL club on Mar. 2. The Sea Bears protected list consists of: Trevon Scott Will Richardson Emmanuel Akot Maurice Calloo Simi Shittu Nathan Bilamu Kyler Filewich Jalen Harris “As we start to look towards the 2026 season, we are excited about the potential for continuity,” said General Manager and Head Coach Mike Raimbault. “We will be building the team with people who want to be in Winnipeg and who are ready to invest into making big things happen on the court and in the community next season.” Both the players and the club must agree to having a player placed on the team’s protected list. ###

Winnipeg, MB – The Winnipeg Sea Bears announced today that Mike Raimbault has been named the team’s new General Manager and Head Coach, taking over for Mike Taylor, whose contract will conclude shortly. Alongside his new role with the Sea Bears, Raimbault will continue leading the University of Winnipeg men’s basketball team as Head Coach. A familiar face to Winnipeg basketball fans, Raimbault returns for his fourth season with the Sea Bears after guiding the University of Winnipeg Wesmen men’s team to back-to-back Canada West Championship final appearances in 2023 and 2024. This past season, he led the Wesmen to a program-best 16-4 regular season record. Raimbault’s roots in Manitoba run deep. He grew up and played college basketball in Brandon, later joining the Brandon University coaching staff and helping the team capture a U SPORTS (then CIS) silver medal in 2007. He went on to win a CCAA national championship as head coach of the UNBC Timberwolves before taking the helm at the University of Winnipeg, where he continues to serve as head coach of the Wesmen men’s program. Raimbault has also been part of the Sea Bears’ coaching staff since their inaugural season, serving as an assistant coach. “We made a strategic decision to build the next steps of our organization with a team leader who is in our market on a year round basis, and to join other teams in the league who are developing Canadians coaching at the pro level. Mike Taylor did an amazing job for us but we feel we need some prairie dirt, Canadian shield and wheatfield soul in our DNA at this time,” said owner David Asper. “Mike Raimbault has all of that, combined with three years serving as an assistant coach with the Sea Bears and a demonstrated career of national success at the highest levels of amateur basketball. We are looking forward to the 2026 season.” Now stepping into the head coach and front-office role, Raimbault brings a hometown perspective and a full-time presence in Winnipeg, which the organization says will be vital in growing the game and deepening connections with fans and local basketball programs. “I’m honoured and excited to take on this new opportunity with the Winnipeg Sea Bears as the next step in my coaching career. I have been fortunate to be in the Sea Bears organization for the past three seasons and I’m looking forward to leading this tremendous franchise into the future,” said Raimbault. “I am where I am today because of the support of my family as well as many mentors and influences in the basketball community. I am thankful to everyone who has played a part in my coaching journey. I owe a debt of gratitude to Mike Taylor for bringing me on his staff three years ago and I would not be able to fulfill this role without the unwavering support of the Wesmen Athletics family and our student-athletes. It is a pleasure to coach the Wesmen, and I’m grateful to be able to continue leading that program while taking on this exciting new role. I can’t wait to get to work.” The Sea Bears extended their gratitude to Mike Taylor for his dedication and leadership throughout the team’s first three seasons. Taylor guided Winnipeg to its inaugural playoff appearance in 2023 and played a pivotal role in helping establish professional basketball in Manitoba. His commitment to the organization, passion for the game, and connection with fans helped lay a strong foundation for the future of the Sea Bears. The team thanks him sincerely for his work in growing the game in Winnipeg and across the province.

Due to gusting winds and the chance of rain, the Kal Tire CW25 3x3 Tournament Powered by Peg City has moved to its backup indoor location today. Duckworth Centre – University of Winnipeg 400 Spence St, Winnipeg, MB R3B 2R6The tournament is still open to the public, and with some games delayed yesterday, today’s schedule will be packed as they work to complete the tournament. Special Note: Slam Dunk Contest – 2:00 pm Matt Loewen Legacy Shootout – 2:30 pm Both also moved to Duckworth and open to the public. Weather is looking better for tomorrow, and the playoffs are expected to return to the Play Now Street Festival. The rest of the festival is currently scheduled to continue as planned at the main site on Graham at True North Square.

WINNIPEG, MB – The Winnipeg Sea Bears announced today that the upper bowl of Canada Life Centre will be opened for the team’s home playoff doubleheader on Friday, August 22. The action begins at 5:00 p.m. with the Eastern Conference Final, followed by the Sea Bears’ Western Conference Final matchup at 7:30 p.m.. With thousands of fans already securing their seats, the organization is expanding capacity to ensure as many Manitobans as possible can be part of this historic night. “We couldn’t be more excited to host the Western Conference Final in Winnipeg,” said Jason Smith, President of the Winnipeg Sea Bears. “We’re so grateful for the incredible support we’ve received from our fans over our first three seasons, and having the chance to play this important game, while also hosting Championship Weekend here at home with the best fans in the CEBL, is truly special.” The Sea Bears’ inaugural playoff game at Canada Life Centre in 2023 drew one of the largest crowds in CEBL history. With the upper bowl now opening, the organization is anticipating another electric atmosphere as fans rally behind their team and showcase Winnipeg as one of the best basketball markets in the country. Tickets for the doubleheader are available now at seabears.ca . Fans are encouraged to secure their seats early, as demand is expected to remain high leading up to game day. Event Details Date: Friday, August 22, 2025 Location: Canada Life Centre Eastern Conference Final: 5:00 p.m. Winnipeg Sea Bears Playoff Game: 7:30 p.m.  For more information, visit CEBL.ca/cw25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - The Winnipeg Sea Bears announced today South Sudan has attempted to name Canadian forward Emmanuel Akot to their team for the upcoming AfroBasket 2025 tournament in Angola. Under FIBA regulations, professional clubs are required to release players for national team duty only if they receive a minimum of 30 days’ notice. As this requirement was not met, the Sea Bears are formally disputing the call-up and maintain that Akot remains under contract and is still obligated to fulfill his commitments to the team. Akot did not report to practice on July 31 and has been suspended by the club until further notice.

Winnipeg, MB — The Winnipeg Sea Bears have announced the signing of American guard Jarron Cumberland, a seasoned professional with NBA experience known for his strong scoring ability, toughness, and versatile playmaking. Cumberland, 6’5”, joins the Sea Bears with an impressive résumé that includes stints with the Portland Trail Blazers, Raptors 905, and the Delaware Blue Coats of the NBA G League. He appeared in three games for the Trail Blazers during the 2021–22 season after signing a 10-day contract on Christmas Day in 2021. That same season, he was named MVP of the G League Winter Showcase, recording 24 points, eight rebounds and six assists in the championship game. “Adding Jarron Cumberland to our backcourt gives us versatility, dynamic playmaking and physicality,” said head coach and general manager Mike Taylor. “We are very excited to add JC into our attack. I believe we have done an excellent job of adding pieces that upgrade our team and put our roster in a great position for the stretch run to championship weekend.”  Originally from Wilmington, Ohio, the 27-year-old guard played four standout seasons at the University of Cincinnati, where he earned AAC Player of the Year honours and AAC Tournament MVP in 2019. After being selected 12th overall in the 2021 NBA G League Draft by the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, Cumberland spent time with Raptors 905 before being traded to the Delaware Blue Coats, where he has had multiple stints, most recently during the 2024–25 season. His professional career has also taken him overseas, including recent stops with Petro de Luanda (Angola) and Caballeros de Culiacán (Mexico). Cumberland will play on the road in Calgary on July 27 and make his home debut in the club's next home game against the rival Saskatchewan Rattlers on August 1 at 7:30 p.m. ### About the Winnipeg Sea Bears The Winnipeg Sea Bears joined the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) as an expansion franchise in 2023. The city's only professional basketball team plays out of Canada Life Centre from May to August in a 24-game regular season schedule. Winnipeg businessman and lawyer, David Asper, is the organization's owner and chairman. More information on the Sea Bears can be found at seabears.ca and @wpgseabears on Instagram , X , TikTok , LinkedIn & Facebook . About the CEBL A league created by Canadians for Canadians with a mission to develop Canadian players, coaches, sports executives, and referees, the CEBL boasts the highest percentage of Canadian players of any pro league in the country with 75% of its rosters being Canadian and a record 12 players with NBA experience in 2024. Players also bring experience from the NBA G League, top international pro leagues, the Canadian National team program, NCAA programs, as well as U SPORTS and CCAA. More than 20 players have signed NBA contracts following a CEBL season, and numerous CEBL players attend NBA G League training camps every year. The CEBL season runs from May through August with games broadcast live on CEBL+ , TSN, TSN+, RDS, Game+ and Next Level Sports & Entertainment. More information about the CEBL is available at CEBL.ca and @cebleague on Instagram , Twitter , TikTok , LinkedIn , Facebook & YouTube .

WINNIPEG, MB – The Winnipeg Sea Bears announced Friday the signing of Canadian center Jordy Tshimanga, a 6-foot-11 international pro known for his dominant rebounding, rim protection, and interior scoring. Tshimanga most recently played in Taiwan with the Kaohsiung Steelers, where he averaged 15.6 points and 17.0 rebounds per game, showcasing elite production on both ends of the floor. He also suited up earlier this year in Mongolia for Khasin Khuleguud, continuing to demonstrate his value as a high-motor big man with international experience. In the 2024 CEBL season, Tshimanga averaged 8.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 17.8 minutes over 17 games with the Calgary Surge. He also played for the Surge in 2023, putting up 6.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 0.2 assists in 15 minutes per game across nine appearances. Tshimanga’s strong presence in the CEBL extends back to his 2022 campaign with the Saskatchewan Rattlers, where he averaged 8.6 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks while starting all 22 games. He finished fourth in the league in rebounds and consistently impacted both ends of the floor, notching several double-digit rebounding games and reaching double figures in scoring six times. He also brings extensive NBA G League experience, having played for the Iowa Wolves and Cleveland Charge across two seasons. In 2022–23 with Iowa, he averaged 8.9 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.4 blocks, and 1.4 assists in 24 games, including four double-doubles and back-to-back monster games of 18 points and 19 rebounds, and 16 points and 18 rebounds. “Jordy Tshimanga is a quality big man who gives us outstanding size, experience and front court depth,” said head coach and general manager Mike Taylor. “We are excited to add Jordy's defensive presence and physicality to strengthen our team.” A product of Dayton and Nebraska, Tshimanga played 112 NCAA games over four seasons. In his senior year at Dayton (2020–21), he averaged 6.7 points and 7.7 rebounds, leading the team in boards and blocks. Tshimanga joins the Sea Bears as the team gears up for CEBL Championship Weekend, hosted in Winnipeg from August 21-24. The Sea Bears return to Canada Life Centre on Friday, July 25 at 7:30 PM against the Edmonton Stingers. Tickets are on sale now.

The Calgary Surge has booked its ticket to the playoffs for the third straight year with a 93-89 win over the Sea Bears in Winnipeg on Thursday night. Calgary has yet to miss the postseason since the franchise relocated from Guelph in 2022. The win moves the Surge to 12–6 on the season, making them the third team to clinch a spot in the 2025 CEBL playoffs. Meanwhile, the Sea Bears drop to 6–10. Greg Brown III led the charge with a double-double, posting 20 points and 10 rebounds. The former G-Leaguer has made an instant impact in his debut CEBL season, climbing past Vancouver’s Mitch Creek to take over second place in league scoring. Brown took over in the first half, keeping the Surge within striking distance during Winnipeg’s early offensive push. “My teammates have been helping me get to my spots and opening up the game for me,” Brown said on what has been the greatest factor in his success. “They keep talking to me, where the angles are, where the space is… they have been helping me this whole season.” “I watched Gremlins growing up, and they run when light comes,” Brown added, explaining his unconventional inspiration. “You always must show up when it matters and when the lights come on. I’ve always had that mentality from when I started playing until now.” While Brown stole the spotlight, the Surge’s success continues to come from balanced contributions across the roster. Four other players hit double figures, including 16 points off the bench from Jamorko Pickett — a testament to Calgary’s status as a multi-headed offensive monster that’s tough to slow down. Winnipeg Head Coach Mike Taylor stressed the importance of strong defensive execution to contain Calgary’s firepower, aiming to force them into transition and create opportunities on the other end. “I think we did a very good job executing our game plan,” Taylor said. “Controlling the tempo and trying to keep them out of transition for the majority of the game . But in terms of those crucial possessions, we’ve got to be better.” Simi Shittu finished the game with 19 points, seven rebounds, and two assists, including a valuable last-minute play in target time to set up Jalen Harris beyond the arc to bring the Sea Bears closer to the target score of 92. “I feel like we had the game,” Shittu reflected. “We made it as tough as we can for them, but at the end of the day, we can clean up things.” Although the Surge pulled away late, the Sea Bears made them earn it. Winnipeg scored 28 points off second-chance possessions and kept applying pressure throughout the game. Trevon Scott was limited to 10 points but dominated the boards with 16 rebounds — just three shy of the franchise record of 19 set by Shittu less than three weeks ago. The game stayed tight through three quarters, with both teams trading leads. Calgary led 22–21 after the first quarter, but Winnipeg struck early in the second. The Surge responded with an 11–3 run to regain control. Scott’s rebounding in the third quarter led directly to 11 of Winnipeg’s 21 points in the frame, helping the Sea Bears keep pace heading into the final period. In the fourth, Calgary’s depth and composure showed. The Surge limited Winnipeg to just 10 points before target time and built a six-point cushion before the clocks turned off. Calgary quickly rose to the occasion, extending the lead to 89–79, but Winnipeg surged back, capitalizing on missed shots and late fouls. A Jalen Harris three-pointer brought the Sea Bears within two, 91–89, just short of Harris’s 100th career point. However, Calgary slammed the door as Evan Gilyard Jr. hit a decisive field goal to seal the victory and deny Harris a final shot. “This is a tough loss,” Taylor said. “But it’s a type of loss that can turn into a positive when we use adversity to try to get better.” With the win, the Surge now look ahead to returning to the postseason this August and possibly a return to Canada Life Centre as Winnipeg prepares to host the 2025 Championship Weekend festivities. However, they remain focused on the task ahead: finishing the season strong and motivating each other until the end. “We always iterate from the start that we want to win a championship,” Brown said. “We want to take the mindset of ‘this is normal’ — this is what we’ve been talking about since day one, so don’t look up, keep your head down, and keep grinding.”