The Canadian Elite Basketball League has switched to a single-game championship format following a decision made on Wednesday evening. The change came after the best-of-three final between the Winnipeg Sea Bears and Brampton Honey Badgers was canceled due to unsafe playing conditions caused by court condensation. The new single-game final is set to take place in Winnipeg on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on CBC-TV, CBCSports.ca, and CBC Gem.
The Sea Bears and Honey Badgers were initially scheduled for a multi-game championship series but due to the unforeseen circumstances, a one-game championship was deemed the most suitable option. This decision brings the championship format back to the style used from 2019 to 2025.
Brampton had taken the lead in the canceled game, but with the new single-game final, both teams will have another opportunity to compete for the title. The Honey Badgers had previously won two meetings against the Sea Bears this season and are looking to secure another victory in the upcoming final.
Honey Badgers CEO Al Whitley expressed regret over the game’s cancellation, emphasizing the team’s determination to compete for the championship. The Sea Bears, led by standout players Xavier Moon and Simon Hildebrandt, have shown resilience throughout the playoffs, defying odds to reach the finals.
Both teams have had impressive playoff runs, with the Sea Bears overcoming tough opponents like the Saskatoon Mamba and Vancouver Bandits. The Honey Badgers, on the other hand, clinched victories against the Ottawa BlackJacks and Niagara River Lions to secure their spot in the final.
In addition to the on-court action, the championship game will also feature an intriguing off-court story, as the Sea Bears and Honey Badgers are owned by brothers David Asper and Leonard Asper, respectively. The sibling rivalry adds an extra layer of interest to the upcoming showdown between the two teams.
