The Winnipeg Sea Bears clinched the 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League title by defeating the Brampton Honey Badgers with a score of 98-84 in the league’s championship game. The victory was secured in front of a record-breaking crowd of 12,519 fans at the Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg.
In a thrilling match with a target score of 97, local talent Simon Hildebrandt sealed the championship for the Sea Bears with a crucial shot, propelling them to a 98-84 win over the Honey Badgers. Leading the scoring for the Sea Bears was Xavier Moon, a three-time CEBL MVP, who contributed 29 points, including three successful three-pointers, along with seven rebounds and six assists. Moon, who returned to the CEBL this season after a five-year hiatus, also claimed his third Finals MVP accolade.
Off the bench, Sea Bears’ guard Jelani Watson-Gayle made a significant impact by sinking five three-pointers. Hildebrandt, with 24 points, also made his mark by connecting on four three-point shots. Meanwhile, the Honey Badgers’ standout player Sean East II led his team with 27 points, supported by guard Trentyn Flowers who added 20 points to the scoreboard.
The Honey Badgers, aiming for their second CEBL championship following their 2022 victory when the team was based in Hamilton, fell short in the face of the Sea Bears’ dominance.