Rattlers Return to the Snake Pit for Home Opener

The Edmonton Stingers prevailed over the Saskatchewan Rattlers in a tight 92-89 contest on Thursday (May 22) to earn their first win of the season. Timely runs and efficient three-point shooting propelled the Stingers to victory in a game in which no team held a lead larger than eight points. Sean East II spearheaded the Stingers’ attack, netting a game-high 27 points that included five triples. The 25-year-old American guard corralled eight rebounds and added two steals as well. “We can always improve, but it's better to improve off a win than a loss,” East said after the game. The duo of former Rattlers Devonté Bandoo and Scottie Lindsey also made a major impact on their old home court at SaskTel Centre. The familiar faces made big shots, with Lindsey hitting the game-winning free throw as part of a 13-point performance. Bandoo contributed 15 points, including three connections from beyond the arc in the fourth quarter and Target Score Time. Bandoo said it felt great to play in front of his former home crowd and it will always be home. “It's always a great feeling, hitting shots ... I think every basketball player loves to see the ball going in, so I'm excited to see [it], especially coming back from injury,” Bandoo said. Meanwhile, Saskatchewan relied heavily on Nate Pierre-Louis and Cody John in the narrow defeat. Pierre-Louis notched the third triple-double in franchise history and seventh in league history, with 20 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists. He added a steal and block for good measure. The New Jersey product said hard work off the court is finally showing up. “I wasn't trying to get [a triple-double], I was just trying to win a game. So I'm grateful but I just wish we got the W,” Pierre-Louis said. John also made an immediate impact for the Rattlers in his season debut, putting up a team-high 25 points in the loss. Edmonton head coach Jordan Baker said the team needs to be better the finer details, but he praised the resilience and shot-making down the stretch. “I mean, it seemed like it was much harder than we needed it to be. But credit to Saskatchewan. They played hard, played right to the end, and made some big plays on both ends of the floor,” Baker said. Saskatchewan head coach Eric Magdanz was pleased with the level of competition coming off a 40-point loss in the season opener against Vancouver. “I'm really happy with the response. We challenged them this week about who we want to be this season and they showed up and proved that we're going to be a team to contend with,” he said. The game began with two minutes of scoreless basketball before the Rattlers and Stingers started exchanging blows. Lindsey and Bandoo got on the board early, with Lindsey hitting the 500-point milestone in his CEBL career. Edmonton went on a 9-2 run to snag a six-point lead, but Saskatchewan rallied to head into the second quarter down one. The western squads continued a close battle in the second frame. Elijah Ifejeh showed his prowess on both ends, blocking a mid-range shot on defence before capitalizing with a transition slam to force a Baker timeout. Saskatchewan and Edmonton jostled for the lead throughout the opening 20 minutes, with 10 lead changes and six ties in the first half. A floater and wing three from East late in the frame provided Edmonton with a 40-39 lead entering the locker room. East continued to cook in the third quarter, going on a 10-3 personal run on the Rattlers that extended back to the first half. Saskatchewan made big plays of its own, with a lead-changing three from Chaplin and a massive dunk from Pierre-Louis. However, in his CEBL debut, Cameron McGriff stopped the Rattlers’ momentum after the aforementioned plays, answering with a triple of his own and an and-one after the Pierre-Louis dunk. The Rattlers kept battling, with Isaac Simon scoring six straight points and forcing a travel on the other end to keep it a one-point game after three. An 8-2 Edmonton run early in the fourth that featured triples from East and Bandoo forced a Magdanz timeout. The Stingers weathered each Rattlers’ push prior to Target Score Time, taking an 83-79 lead into the final stretch. John stayed hot for Saskatchewan early in target time, pulling the Rattlers within one point. However, a layup from Lindsey to go along with threes from East and Bandoo put the Stingers one point away from victory. Saskatchewan fought back and had a shot to win— Jamir Chaplin’s three hit back rim —before Lindsey drew a foul and sealed the game at the line. Box Score https://www.cebl.ca/game?id=2600570 Up next for both teams Both teams are back in action on Saturday (May 24) as Saskatchewan continues its homestand to open the season against the defending champion Niagara River Lions, while Edmonton visits Vancouver. Next CEBL action The Calgary Surge visit the Winnipeg Sea Bears in a Western Conference battle tomorrow (May 23). For the full 2025 CEBL schedule and up-to-date results, please visit cebl.ca/games .

Partner branding to appear on all league referee jerseys this summer The Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced the renewal of its national partnership with the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC), building upon their Championship Weekend partnership from the 2024 season. As Canada’s federal Crown corporation that protects deposits in the event of member institution failure, CDIC is aligning the core of its partnership with the CEBL’s referees by becoming the first national partner to brand the CEBL’s referee jerseys for the duration of a CEBL season. Additionally, CDIC and the CEBL are developing a dedicated social campaign that will recognize the CEBL’s top defender each week during the 2025 season. “We’re proud to renew and expand our partnership with an organization that prioritizes the best interests of our communities,” said Mike Morreale, Commissioner and Co-Founder of the CEBL. “Our partnership will engage fans in ways that celebrate financial protection for Canadians, both on and off the court.” The CDIC has been a long-standing staple of the Canadian financial industry since 1967, contributing to the stability of the financial system in Canada by insuring deposits at member institutions against failure up to $100,000 – per institution, per category. “CDIC is happy to renew its partnership with the CEBL for the upcoming season,” said Tamara Mason, Head of Communications at CDIC. “We are committed to raising awareness of deposit protection among Canadians as research shows that awareness contributes to overall confidence in—and the stability of—the Canadian financial system.” The seventh season of the CEBL tips off May 11 with a total of 120 regular season games in the 2025 campaign , leading to playoffs that begin August 14. Championship Weekend , which features the league’s top four teams during the regular season vying for the league title, will be held at Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, August 22-24.

Ontario licensed and regulated Sportsbook to power all CEBL+ streaming broadcasts during 2025 season The Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Saturday a groundbreaking partnership with Tonybet, which will see the Ontario licensed and regulated sportsbook become the Official Online Sportsbook of the CEBL. As part of this landmark partnership, Tonybet has posted odds for the CEBL season opener at tonybet.ca . The first game of the CEBL’s seventh season features the Battle of Alberta as the Calgary Surge take on the Edmonton Stingers at 4 p.m. MT / 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, May 11 at Edmonton Expo Centre. Fans can watch the season-opening tip-off – and every CEBL regular season, playoff, and Championship Weekend game – live and free, thanks to Tonybet. CEBL+ will now be powered by Tonybet for the 2025 season, delivering free streaming access to Canadians for all 127 broadcasts throughout the year. With 15 years in the market, Tonybet has established itself as one of the most trusted sportsbooks worldwide, committed to providing a safe, fair, and reliable betting experience for its players. “Tonybet is a respected leader in the online sports betting space and a welcome addition to the CEBL’s sponsorship family,” said Mike Morreale, Commissioner and Co-Founder of the Canadian Elite Basketball League. “A main part of their commitment is providing free access to our existing and new fans to all 127 games this season on CEBL+, strengthening the league’s visibility and accessibility to basketball fans all across the country.” Tonybet will also be delivering fans an immersive digital experience through the lens of some of Canada’s most recognizable social figures. They will be dropping social and digital content throughout the season, including the CEBL’s weekly digital sportsbook content series, Pick n’ Roll. “Enabled by this partnership, we intend to bring an unparalleled streaming experience for free. Being a big fan myself, basketball is, easily, a very hype sport, and we’re happy that our partnership with CEBL brings it closer to every fan living in Canada,” said Dmitry Arabuli, CEO of Tonybet.

The Saskatchewan Rattlers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Friday that the franchise has set a new record for season ticket memberships ahead of their home opener against the Vancouver Bandits on May 15 th at SaskTel Centre. The 82 per cent increase of season ticket sales over the 2024 season will continue to climb as enter the 2025 season as fans have the ability to secure season tickets at a prorated price. The Rattlers saw strong growth in 2024 with season ticket sales up 45 per cent, setting a new single game attendance record of 3,500 on June 20 th , and hosting over 25,000 fans throughout the 2024 season at SaskTel Centre. “We are very pleased to see the meteoric growth of the Rattlers,” said Rattlers President, Lee Genier “as we head into the 2025 campaign in what will be our largest season in history.”

Canadian fintech leader commits to cashback program on all CEBL ticket purchases for Neo Mastercard holders The Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Wednesday the renewal of its national partnership with Canadian fintech leader Neo Financial (Neo) as the Official Credit Card of the CEBL. Neo became the first official financial partner in league history in 2024. The partnership between Neo and the CEBL provides Canadian basketball fans with exclusive access to cashback on all ticket purchases made with a Neo Mastercard throughout the upcoming 2025 season. By purchasing tickets through cebl.ca/neo , CEBL fans will receive 15 per cent cashback on their purchase with a Neo credit card, up to $20 off per transaction*. For CEBL fans that don’t currently have a Neo Mastercard, a $25 sign-up bonus will be provided to any fan signing up for a new card, in addition to 15 per cent cashback on their CEBL ticket purchases*. Fans can sign-up for a Neo credit card today at get.neofinancial.com/cebl to secure their $25 sign-up bonus. “Excited to continue our partnership with Neo Financial as they become the Official Credit Card of the CEBL,” said Mike Morreale, Commissioner and Co-Founder of the CEBL. “This next step in our partnership creates another unique opportunity for our fans to engage with a made in Canada brand with services that make it more rewarding than ever to support Canadian basketball.” In addition to the relaunch of the CEBL Cashback Program, Neo will be selecting one lucky CEBL fan and a guest for a VIP basketball experience of a lifetime**. The winner will receive a Grand Prize package containing a VIP trip for two to Championship Weekend in Winnipeg this August, including flights, hotel, game tickets to the Conference Finals and Championship Final, and access to the CEBL Awards and Commissioner’s Luncheon. Each CEBL ticket purchase made with a Neo credit card through cebl.ca/neo will amplify your entries into the Neo Championship Weekend VIP Experience contest. “We’re thrilled to once again partner with the CEBL as the official credit card and preferred payment method,” said Andrew Chau, Co-Founder and CEO at Neo Financial . “This renewed partnership goes beyond sponsorship – it’s about investing in Canada’s future by supporting homegrown athletes and delivering better financial experiences to fans across the country. Together, we’re driving innovation in both sports and finance, helping shape a strong, more connected Canada.” Neo is building the future of financial services for Canadians, offering its customers a modern financial experience, simplifying finances through reimagined credit card products on an easy-to-use platform. To learn more about the CEBL Cashback Program, visit get.neofinancial.com/cebl .

Saskatoon, Sask. - The Saskatchewan Rattlers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Wednesday that their 2025 Training Camp Roster will get to work starting on Wednesday May 7 th 2025 at Merlis Belsher Place on the University of Saskatchewan campus ahead of their home opener on Thursday May 15 th 2025 when they meet conference-rivals, the Vancouver. The Rattlers announced Friday May 2 nd that the team will travel to Regina to complete two of their nine-days of CEBL Training Camp at the University of Regina campus . The Regina portion of Rattlers Training Camp is proudly presented by Hoop Life, taking place on May 9th and 10th. An opportunity for fans to spectate for free will happen on Saturday May 10th from 1PM until 3PM at the University of Regina gymnasium. The Rattlers welcome media to attend with opportunity for Media Availability with Rattlers players and personnel happening on May 10th from 3PM until 4PM. During the Saskatoon portion of Rattlers Training Camp, media are welcome to attend Media Availability on Thursday May 8 th at 11:45AM, and Tuesday May 13 th at 11:45AM at Merlis Belsher Place.  “We have a relatively short period of time to try to develop some cohesion, so the focus throughout training camp will be giving the players evert opportunity to become familiarized with each other,” said Rattlers General Manager Barry Rawlyk. “We have a number of new faces that we are very excited about, and getting all of them on the same page will be very important. We already have a pretty good idea of what each player is capable of and what role they can fill, so getting each of those parts to work together is what we hope to accomplish.”

Saskatoon, Sask. - The Saskatchewan Rattlers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Friday that the club will be taking the entire Rattlers Training Camp Roster to Regina, Saskatchewan for two of the nine-days of CEBL Training Camp ahead of the Saskatchewan Rattlers home opener on May 15th at SaskTel Centre against the Vancouver Bandits. This will be the first-time that the Rattlers have brought their Training Camp outside of Saskatoon. The Rattlers are the only CEBL franchise that represents an entire province, and they look to highlight the 2025 roster while bringing the talent to new and current fans in the province's capitol. “I am excited to take our training camp on the road to Regina”, said Rattlers Head Coach, Eric Magdanz. “The city of Regina has always been a basketball hotbed and passionately supported the Rattlers. I am looking forward to having the opportunity to meet the fans that continue to support us”. 

Saskatoon, Sask. - The Saskatchewan Rattlers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Friday that the club has signed 6-foot-4 Takal Molson from Buffalo, New York for the 2025 season. Molson will make his CEBL debut on May 15 th when the Rattlers open their season at SaskTel Centre. “Takal is going to bring some great versatility to our backcourt,” said General Manager and Vice-President of Basketball Operations, Barry Rawlyk. “Not only is he able to score from all three levels, he is a very capable playmaker, and even more importantly a willing and able defender. He will have a very good situation to show his abilities as a player here and we expect he will take full advantage of that opportunity.”

The Saskatchewan Rattlers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Thursday that recording superstar Rebecca Strong will be performing at halftime when the Rattlers kick-off the seventh season during their home opener on May 15 th when the team hosts the Vancouver Bandits at SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. The performance will be the second time that Rebecca Strong has performed at a Saskatchewan Rattlers home game. During the 2024 season the Rattlers were the first professional sports organization to invite the world-renowned artist to perform after her win on the fourth season of Canada’s Got Talent, she performed at SaskTel Centre during the Rattlers First Nations Night celebrating Indigenous culture and communities. Strong, a member of Black Lake Denesuline First Nation was born in Stony Rapids, and grew up in Prince Albert. In early 2024, Strong made noise in her home province of Saskatchewan and around the nation for her incredible voice. Appearing on a national Canadian talent show, she soon become a household name after receiving the highest praise possible from judge, Lilly Singh . To conclude the fourth season of the talent show, Rebecca Strong was named the winner and claiming the top prize of one million dollars.