The Winnipeg Sea Bears will now have one game on their home court to capture the Canadian Elite Basketball League championship.
The CEBL announced Wednesday night that its 2026 Finals will be decided in a single championship game after Game 1 between the Sea Bears and Brampton Honey Badgers was cancelled earlier in the day.
Winnipeg and Brampton will meet Saturday, Aug. 15 at Canada Life Centre, which was already scheduled to host Game 2 of the best-of-three series. Tip-off is set for 3:30 p.m. CDT.
Unsafe court cancels opener
Wednesday’s game in Brampton was cancelled because of condensation on the court, which the league said left the playing surface unsafe for competition.
The decision to cancel the game was made in consultation with both teams, game officials, and venue staff.
The league did not say what caused the condensation to form on the court. However, Environment Canada reports heavy rain and humidity in Brampton Wednesday evening.
Fans who had tickets for Wednesday’s cancelled game in Brampton will receive refunds.
CEBL shifts Finals format
Following the cancellation, the league said there was no longer enough time to complete the best-of-three series within its scheduled window.
The CEBL said it consulted both clubs before determining that a single championship game was the “fairest and most practical” way to crown a champion.
The change returns the league to the format it used from 2019 through 2025, when the CEBL title was decided in one championship game.
Additional ticket information for Saturday’s game will be released by the Sea Bears.
For Winnipeg fans, the change means the league championship will now be decided at Canada Life Centre, with the Sea Bears getting the opportunity to win the title in front of their home crowd.