HONEY BADGER NEWS

The Brampton Honey Badgers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced on Thursday that they have agreed on a partnership with Bramalea City Centre (BCC) for a fourth consecutive year. Bramalea City Centre has served as the largest shopping mall in Brampton, dating all the way back to 1973 and holds over 1.5 million square feet of retail space for its local citizens. Some stores that can be found within the mall include H&M, JD Sports, and Uniqlo. “We are thrilled to be involved with the Brampton Honey Badgers for another season,” said Bramalea City Centre Marketing Manager Nicole MacPhail. “The basketball court is not just a place to partake in sport, it is a catalyst for growth, unity and support in our community. We always jump at the opportunity to work with the Honey Badgers and support what they bring to the city.” Through this partnership, the Honey Badgers and Bramalea City Centre will come together to provide BCC shoppers with the opportunity to take in local professional basketball through giveaways, raffles, and relationship-building community donations. “The Brampton Honey Badgers are proud to welcome back Bramalea City Centre as an official partner,” said Honey Badgers CEO Al Whitley. “BCC is a cornerstone of the Brampton community, and continuing this partnership was a priority for our organization. Their commitment to creating an inclusive, welcoming environment aligns perfectly with our values, and we look forward to working together to bring that same sense of community, energy, and excitement to fans at the CAA Centre.” The 2026 season has been nothing less than an uproar of excitement for the Honey Badgers so far, starting the summer at a strong 7-2 record. To catch the hottest commodity in Brampton, make sure to check out the various ticket offers and packages, starting at $20 per ticket at honeybadgers.ca/tickets . ### About the Brampton Honey Badgers One of the original franchises of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the 2022 CEBL Champion Brampton Honey Badgers proudly call the CAA Centre home. The Brampton front office and basketball operations department bring NBA, NBA G League, national team, NCAA and major international pro league experience to the franchise. With a vision of promoting Brampton grassroots basketball and local businesses through community and corporate engagement, the Honey Badgers will leverage the explosion of basketball as a vehicle for innovation and change. For more information visit honeybadgers.ca . About the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) The Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) is Canada’s professional basketball league, featuring 10 member clubs across six provinces. Powered by elite talent, a fast-paced game format, and deep community connections, the CEBL delivers high-level basketball and unforgettable summer experiences for fans nationwide. The league boasts the youngest fan base in Canadian professional sport, half under age 34, and one of the fastest-growing audiences in the country, now reaching nearly 4.1 million Canadians. This momentum reflects the CEBL’s ability to deliver dynamic, thrilling gameplay while connecting deeply with a new generation of fans and expanding basketball’s cultural footprint across Canada. The CEBL is where elite performance meets homegrown talent. In 2025, 17 players with NBA experience hit the court, while nearly 70% of the league’s roster was Canadian, the highest concentration of domestic talent in any professional sports league in the country. Running from May through August, the CEBL’s season is a showcase of top basketball talent and a summer hub for fast-paced, high-energy fan excitement. About Bramalea City Centre Bramalea City Centre, is the largest shopping centre in the City of Brampton, and the fourth largest in Ontario. The two-level shopping centre offers 1.5 million square feet of retail shopping space, showcasing a tenant mix of over 300 stores and services including Aritzia, Browns Shoes, H&M, JD Sports, and Sephora. Media Contact: Elias Eldridge - Account Executive & Communications Specialist Brampton Honey Badgers eeldridge@honeybadgers.ca

The Brampton Honey Badgers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) are still standing strong, coming off of two big wins against the Edmonton Stingers and Niagara River Lions, as they continue to hold the CEBL’s best record at seven wins and one loss (7-1). With a hefty homestand to start the season, the Honey Badgers prepared for their sixth home game of the summer, as head coach Alex Cerda made his first change to the starting lineup. Veteran big man Prince Oduro and guard Tyrese Hunter were moved to the bench, as Canadians Keon Ambrose-Hylton and Josh Omojafo were promoted to the starting five. With the rookie Omojafo getting his first opportunity as a professional starter, Cerda had no worries about how Omojafo would rise to the occasion. “I trust him as a starter,” exclaimed Cerda. “Every game he’s getting better and better, he can do a lot of different things. Regardless of starting or coming off the bench, his minutes are going to increase as the season goes on.” Cerda applauded Omojafo’s defensive presence from the start, describing his defensive performance against Vancouver Bandits star Jaelen House as “the best I’ve seen in two years”, and his impact was well known again, forcing two steals and grabbing six rebounds in 28 minutes of action. Although the bright spots were shining, it was by no means easy for Brampton to pull away, as the entire second half was even on the scoresheet. Edmonton were able to create a lot of pressure, and closed off any gaps for the Honey Badgers to score. “Overall, I think there were some mental lapses, some opportunities defensively where we just missed our assignment which we usually don’t do,” Cerda remarked. “I think a lot of our turnovers were because we were trying to make home run plays when we just needed to hit singles.” It was a dogfight of an ending in this game, eventually leading to an 86-86 tie with the target score set at 87. And with a good stop on the defensive end, it was Sean East II who came back the other way and drew a foul to sink the game-winning free throw to send the Brampton fans home happy. “It’s not always going to be cute and glamorous,” said East II, who was able to secure the win against his former team. “They fought back real hard and got it tied up, we’re just trying to pull them out one game at a time.” Referring to the toughness of this game and the CEBL season as a whole, East II revealed a teaching metaphor that has helped fuel the strong start to the Honey Badgers season. “Coach always talks about the Honey Badger in the wild,” explained East II. “It’s the craziest animal, he’s gritty, he’s nasty. So that’s the culture we’re trying to bring and embody the Honey Badger.” “On our dogtags, it says fearless and we don’t flinch,” said Cerda. “I think that’s what a Honey Badger embodies, a fearless animal that’s not scared of anyone, that’s what I want our team to embody.” The Honey Badgers then journeyed to the road for a battle in Niagara on Friday, going against the defending back-to-back champion River Lions and pulled out a 97-86 win, but not without a scare. Despite a 21-point lead going into Target Score Time and Cameron Tyson breaking the franchise-record with nine three-pointers, Niagara fought their way back and brought the game back within single digits. But thanks to one last rally, the Honey Badgers sealed the deal and were able to crawl out of the fight victorious. Along with Tyson’s record-breaking performance, he had some help from Omojafo and East II. Omojafo broke out for his best game in the CEBL with 19 points and five rebounds, while East II tallied a usual statline of 24 points, six rebounds, six assists, and four steals. And even eight games into the season, East II still believes he and his team hasn’t reached the full characteristics of the Honey Badger. “There’s always more to grow, we’re never done.” The Honey Badgers will head back to the road for a rematch with the Montreal Alliance on Wednesday in Montreal, and will then return home to prepare for round two against the River Lions on Monday, June 15. You can tune into the away contest on CBC Gem, YouTube, and CEBL+, with tipoff slated for 7:30 PM. And to catch the action back at the CAA Centre, you can view ticket packages here , with prices starting at just $20 per ticket. ### About the Brampton Honey Badgers One of the original franchises of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the 2022 CEBL Champion Brampton Honey Badgers proudly call the CAA Centre home. The Brampton front office and basketball operations department bring NBA, NBA G League, national team, NCAA and major international pro league experience to the franchise. With a vision of promoting Brampton grassroots basketball and local businesses through community and corporate engagement, the Honey Badgers will leverage the explosion of basketball as a vehicle for innovation and change. For more information visit honeybadgers.ca . About the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) The Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) is Canada’s professional basketball league, featuring 10 member clubs across six provinces. Powered by elite talent, a fast-paced game format, and deep community connections, the CEBL delivers high-level basketball and unforgettable summer experiences for fans nationwide. The league boasts the youngest fan base in Canadian professional sport, half under age 34, and one of the fastest-growing audiences in the country, now reaching nearly 4.1 million Canadians. This momentum reflects the CEBL’s ability to deliver dynamic, thrilling gameplay while connecting deeply with a new generation of fans and expanding basketball’s cultural footprint across Canada. The CEBL is where elite performance meets homegrown talent. In 2025, 17 players with NBA experience hit the court, while nearly 70% of the league’s roster was Canadian, the highest concentration of domestic talent in any professional sports league in the country. Running from May through August, the CEBL’s season is a showcase of top basketball talent and a summer hub for fast-paced, high-energy fan excitement. Media Contact: Elias Eldridge - Account Executive & Communications Specialist Brampton Honey Badgers eeldridge@honeybadgers.ca

The Brampton Honey Badgers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Tuesday that renowned sports psychology and mental performance expert Dr. Don Kalkstein has joined the organization as its first-ever Director of Mental Performance. A pioneer in the field of sports psychology, Kalkstein brings more than three decades of experience working with elite athletes, coaches, and executives across professional sports. His career began with the Texas Rangers in 1995. He has since gone on to win multiple World Championships with the Boston Red Sox, Texas Rangers, and Dallas Mavericks - becoming widely recognized as one of the industry's foremost leaders in mental skills training, performance enhancement, and athlete wellness. “Don Kalkstein is a pioneer in his field and one of the most respected leaders in the mental performance industry,” said Honey Badgers CEO Al Whitley. “His ability to connect with athletes, executives, and team personnel while helping build winning cultures and championship mindsets is truly unmatched. We are incredibly grateful to welcome Don to the Honey Badgers family.” Most recently, Kalkstein served as Director of Sports Psychology for the Dallas Mavericks, where he spent 26 seasons helping build a culture of excellence and sustained success. He is widely credited by key members of the organization - including Mark Cuban, Dirk Nowitzki, Rick Carlisle, Jason Kidd, Shawn Marion, and Honey Badgers CEO Al Whitley - for his influential role in the Mavericks' 2011 NBA Championship season. “This partnership aligns directly with the vision we established from day one of my arrival in Brampton - to create the premier player experience and development infrastructure in the CEBL and beyond,” Whitley continued. “Our entire organization became stronger today, and I am both excited and humbled to be reunited with DK once again.” Kalkstein's appointment represents another significant investment in the Honey Badgers' commitment to player development, high performance, and organizational excellence as the club continues to build a championship-caliber culture on and off the court. “I’m excited to be part of the Honey Badgers family,” said Dr. Kalkstein. “This organization is committed to developing great players, great people, and a championship culture. I’m grateful for the opportunity and look forward to contributing in any way I can.” The Brampton Honey Badgers are 5-1 through the first quarter of the CEBL regular season, and it continues June 3 versus the Edmonton Stingers at the CAA Centre. Click here to get your Honey Badgers tickets today, starting at only $20 per game. ### About the Brampton Honey Badgers One of the original franchises of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the 2022 CEBL Champion Brampton Honey Badgers proudly call the CAA Centre home. The Brampton front office and basketball operations department bring NBA, NBA G League, national team, NCAA and major international pro league experience to the franchise. With a vision of promoting Brampton grassroots basketball and local businesses through community and corporate engagement, the Honey Badgers will leverage the explosion of basketball as a vehicle for innovation and change. For more information visit honeybadgers.ca . About the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) The Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) is Canada’s professional basketball league, featuring 10 member clubs across six provinces. Powered by elite talent, a fast-paced game format, and deep community connections, the CEBL delivers high-level basketball and unforgettable summer experiences for fans nationwide. The league boasts the youngest fan base in Canadian professional sport, half under age 34, and one of the fastest-growing audiences in the country, now reaching nearly 4.1 million Canadians. This momentum reflects the CEBL’s ability to deliver dynamic, thrilling gameplay while connecting deeply with a new generation of fans and expanding basketball’s cultural footprint across Canada. The CEBL is where elite performance meets homegrown talent. In 2025, 17 players with NBA experience hit the court, while nearly 70% of the league’s roster was Canadian, the highest concentration of domestic talent in any professional sports league in the country. Running from May through August, the CEBL’s season is a showcase of top basketball talent and a summer hub for fast-paced, high-energy fan excitement. Media Contact: Elias Eldridge - Account Executive & Communications Specialist Brampton Honey Badgers eeldridge@honeybadgers.ca

The Brampton Honey Badgers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) had a busy week, to say the least. Three games at home spanned over six days, with very little room to rest. Coming into the homestand, the Honey Badgers were looking to reclaim their on-court dominance after a scare in Ottawa that saw them just scrape away with a 93-90 win over the BlackJacks. Things started off with an intense and physical battle against the Winnipeg Sea Bears, and the Honey Badgers found themselves in trouble after a third quarter collapse. A 21-7 Winnipeg run saw Brampton’s 13-point lead disappear, which led to a back-and-forth dogfight the rest of the way. In target score time, the Honey Badgers were one basket away from the win, when Cameron Tyson got one of his career-high four steals and took the hard end of an unsportsmanlike foul from the Sea Bears’ Teddy Allen. Tyson closed out the game by splashing two free throws, concluding another strong performance of 23 points, seven three-pointers, and two blocks. “He’s our hardest worker,” said Brampton Head Coach Alex Cerda . “He has that skillset where he can guard the other team’s best player, and he can make the high level-of-difficulty threes. He does all the right things, we’re happy that we have him.” After two days of rest, the Honey Badgers returned to the court early Thursday morning against the Eastern Conference rival Montreal Alliance in front of the School Day crowd at the CAA Centre. However, they got off to the worst start of the season so far, putting up 20 first-quarter points, a season-low. Playing from behind early on for the first time, it was certainly an adjustment, but the biggest key for Cerda was to stay level-headed. “The biggest thing is to not overreact,” exclaimed Cerda. “We have a group that stays poised and doesn’t panic in those situations. We needed a team to punch us in the mouth first, so we can deal with some adversity.” The Honey Badgers bounced back in a strong way, holding Montreal to just 11 second-quarter points and asserting themselves with a 78-69 lead in the fourth quarter, with the target score set at 82. But then, the wheels fell off the track again, as the Alliance went on a 12-2 run to bring the game even at 80, setting up the situation of next basket wins. With Brampton getting a little too comfortable in such a pivotal moment in the game, it was a matter of slowing the pace down and regaining the momentum for Cerda and the coaching staff. “For us, we were just telling them ‘let’s take it one possession at a time.’ They [Montreal] make you earn it, and it’s really tough,” Cerda explained. “We just dug deep,” said Honey Badgers point guard Sean East II , who dished out nine assists and put up 16 points in a game-high 37 minutes of action. “It just goes back to our training and our coaching staff and everybody believing in us, we just kept fighting and pulled it out.” With around 2000 young students packing the seats at the CAA Centre, the boost of energy from the stands played a large impact in how East II and the Honey Badgers were able to rally in front, with local Brampton forward Matthew Moncrieffe ultimately getting the game winner. “It’s the last days of school and the kids were coming in with a lot of energy,” East II remarked. “We love the early games, they gave us some energy and we got it going.” With the win against Montreal, the Honey Badgers improved to 5-0 on the season, standing as the all-time record for the best start to a season by an Eastern Conference CEBL team. With the team rolling on all cylinders, all minds were now set to the marquee matchup on Saturday against the 4-1 Vancouver Bandits. But despite the opponent on hand, Cerda’s game preparation did not change and saw this as just another stop on the road. “Every game, the way I approach it, is nameless grey faces,” Cerda said. “We take in the information we need as face value. We don’t need to add any extra value or pressure to it, just another game for us and every game in this league is going to be a tough one.” The exhilarating battle delivered an exciting product, with the addition of Mark Cuban in the house sitting courtside. The Honey Badgers found themselves down by seven in target time, until East II and rookie guard Josh Omojafo led a second wind of energy to bring Brampton back within three points. But shortly after, Miller Kopp and the Bandits landed the dagger in the Honey Badgers’ hearts with a three-pointer, resulting in the first loss of the 2026 season, 93-87. After such a hot start to his first season as head coach, Cerda kept a strong focus and highlighted the play of Omojafo, who finished with 13 points and continues to improve every game in his first taste of professional basketball. “Josh is going to have a great career ahead of him,” Cerda remarked. “It starts with his versatility, he’s a swiss army knife. We are comfortable and confident with him guarding one through four. Every game, he’s taking steps in the right direction and he’s important for our squad.” Omojafo combined with East II to create a small shift of momentum on the court, with East II finishing with a season-high 35 points and coming two points shy of the Honey Badgers franchise-record for points in a game. With his new team quickly finding success, it’s important for East II to maintain a routine of finding ways to improve after each game. “We just go back after each game, watch the film, see where we can get better. Keep adding things to our game, and go back to the drawing board to get ready for the next game,” East II said. After taking the rest of the weekend off, the Honey Badgers conclude their homestand on Wednesday, June 3, as they go against the Edmonton Stingers and look to get back in the win column. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM at the CAA Centre, and you can get your tickets at honeybadgers.ca/tickets , starting at $20 per ticket. ### About the Brampton Honey Badgers One of the original franchises of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the 2022 CEBL Champion Brampton Honey Badgers proudly call the CAA Centre home. The Brampton front office and basketball operations department bring NBA, NBA G League, national team, NCAA and major international pro league experience to the franchise. With a vision of promoting Brampton grassroots basketball and local businesses through community and corporate engagement, the Honey Badgers will leverage the explosion of basketball as a vehicle for innovation and change. For more information visit honeybadgers.ca . About the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) The Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) is Canada’s professional basketball league, featuring 10 member clubs across six provinces. Powered by elite talent, a fast-paced game format, and deep community connections, the CEBL delivers high-level basketball and unforgettable summer experiences for fans nationwide. The league boasts the youngest fan base in Canadian professional sport, half under age 34, and one of the fastest-growing audiences in the country, now reaching nearly 4.1 million Canadians. This momentum reflects the CEBL’s ability to deliver dynamic, thrilling gameplay while connecting deeply with a new generation of fans and expanding basketball’s cultural footprint across Canada. The CEBL is where elite performance meets homegrown talent. In 2025, 17 players with NBA experience hit the court, while nearly 70% of the league’s roster was Canadian, the highest concentration of domestic talent in any professional sports league in the country. Running from May through August, the CEBL’s season is a showcase of top basketball talent and a summer hub for fast-paced, high-energy fan excitement. Media Contact: Elias Eldridge - Account Executive & Communications Coordinator Brampton Honey Badgers eeldridge@honeybadgers.ca

The Brampton Honey Badgers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) and their partner Kotak Personal Injury Law will hold a Salute to Service game for the third year in a row on Saturday, May 30 at 7:00 PM versus the Vancouver Bandits. This night will honour and celebrate the services of veterans and first responders who have previously, and are currently serving our country and communities. Kotak Personal Injury Law is not just a partner of the Honey Badgers, but are aligned with the CEBL as well to maintain the engagement with the communities of cities such as Brampton with recognitions such as Salute to Service Night. “The partnership we have with Nainesh and Kotak Personal Injury Law is incredibly meaningful as we continue to deepen our connection with the city of Brampton,” said Honey Badgers CEO Al Whitley. “Salute to Service shines a well-deserved spotlight on the brave individuals who have sacrificed to protect and serve our communities, and we are proud to help recognize and celebrate them as the true heroes they are.” There will be various first responders, military personnel, and duty-service members in attendance at the arena, with Kotak Personal Injury Law doing their part of recognizing their actions by providing them tickets to the game. “This event is an opportunity to recognize and thank the veterans, military personnel, first responders, and frontline professionals who make tremendous sacrifices in service to our communities and our country,” said Kotak Law Owner Nainesh Kotak. Kotak Personal Injury Law have taken initiative in their celebrations on Salute to Service Night in the past, making sizable donations to both Wounded Warriors Canada and Boots on the Ground. “Many of these individuals face significant physical and psychological challenges in the course of protecting and serving others,” added Kotak. “Supporting this event is one small way to show our appreciation for their courage, dedication, and commitment. We are proud to continue giving back to those who give so much to all of us.” The partnership between Kotak Personal Injury Law and the Honey Badgers highlights the shared values each of these organizations have, as the aligning views of community appreciation and engagement comes into full fruition to celebrate very important people in our community. Join us in celebrating our local heroes and cheering on the Honey Badgers this Saturday, May 30 by purchasing your tickets here , starting at just $20 each. ### About the Brampton Honey Badgers One of the original franchises of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the 2022 CEBL Champion Brampton Honey Badgers proudly call the CAA Centre home. The Brampton front office and basketball operations department bring NBA, NBA G League, national team, NCAA and major international pro league experience to the franchise. With a vision of promoting Brampton grassroots basketball and local businesses through community and corporate engagement, the Honey Badgers will leverage the explosion of basketball as a vehicle for innovation and change. For more information visit honeybadgers.ca . About the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) The Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) is Canada’s professional basketball league, featuring 10 member clubs across six provinces. Powered by elite talent, a fast-paced game format, and deep community connections, the CEBL delivers high-level basketball and unforgettable summer experiences for fans nationwide. The league boasts the youngest fan base in Canadian professional sport, half under age 34, and one of the fastest-growing audiences in the country, now reaching nearly 4.1 million Canadians. This momentum reflects the CEBL’s ability to deliver dynamic, thrilling gameplay while connecting deeply with a new generation of fans and expanding basketball’s cultural footprint across Canada. The CEBL is where elite performance meets homegrown talent. In 2025, 17 players with NBA experience hit the court, while nearly 70% of the league’s roster was Canadian, the highest concentration of domestic talent in any professional sports league in the country. Running from May through August, the CEBL’s season is a showcase of top basketball talent and a summer hub for fast-paced, high-energy fan excitement.  About Kotak Law Kotak Law is an experienced, effective, and compassionate law firm focused on disability and personal injury claims across Ontario and Alberta. Deeply community-driven, Kotak Law is committed to advocacy, accountability, and ensuring clients receive the compensation and dignity they deserve. Media Contact: Elias Eldridge - Account Executive & Communications Specialist Brampton Honey Badgers eeldridge@honeybadgers.ca

The Brampton Honey Badgers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced on Tuesday that they have partnered with Real Estate and Wills & Estate Law Firm, Success Law . Success Law provides great assistance to Ontario citizens in the real estate industry, with educational guidance throughout the process of real estate law and achieving client-first milestones. The agency commits itself to a strong standard of service to their clients, and values equal transparency and integrity in their work. “Joining forces with another organization that is early into their existence in the GTA means a lot,” said Success Law Founder and Real Estate Lawyer Rishi Sharma. “Both of our organizations know how important it is to get out into the community and provide a meaningful experience to the people of the GTA. This is an exciting moment for Success Law and I look forward to continuing to grow next to our local professional basketball franchise.” Throughout the summer, Success Law and the Honey Badgers will be providing tickets to home games for their clients, as well as donating 157 tickets to the Kids Up Front Foundation , allowing communities of children to be able to experience professional basketball in Brampton. “The Brampton Honey Badgers are honored to be partnering with Success Law and working alongside the useful values they have within their agency,” said Honey Badgers President Saud Juman. “We as an organization admire the service of guidance to success that Mr. Sharma and his staff provide to Ontario citizens, and we are delighted to collaborate on giving back to the community with the opportunity to come out and see some pro basketball at the CAA Centre.” The Honey Badgers look to make this season a memorable one in their hunt for a CEBL championship for the first time since 2022, and with an exhilarating 4-0 start, the momentum is as high as it’s been. Make sure to check out honeybadgers.ca/tickets to get your seats today, starting at $20 per ticket. ### About the Brampton Honey Badgers One of the original franchises of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the 2022 CEBL Champion Brampton Honey Badgers proudly call the CAA Centre home. The Brampton front office and basketball operations department bring NBA, NBA G League, national team, NCAA and major international pro league experience to the franchise. With a vision of promoting Brampton grassroots basketball and local businesses through community and corporate engagement, the Honey Badgers will leverage the explosion of basketball as a vehicle for innovation and change. For more information visit honeybadgers.ca . About the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) The Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) is Canada’s professional basketball league, featuring 10 member clubs across six provinces. Powered by elite talent, a fast-paced game format, and deep community connections, the CEBL delivers high-level basketball and unforgettable summer experiences for fans nationwide. The league boasts the youngest fan base in Canadian professional sport, half under age 34, and one of the fastest-growing audiences in the country, now reaching nearly 4.1 million Canadians. This momentum reflects the CEBL’s ability to deliver dynamic, thrilling gameplay while connecting deeply with a new generation of fans and expanding basketball’s cultural footprint across Canada. The CEBL is where elite performance meets homegrown talent. In 2025, 17 players with NBA experience hit the court, while nearly 70% of the league’s roster was Canadian, the highest concentration of domestic talent in any professional sports league in the country. Running from May through August, the CEBL’s season is a showcase of top basketball talent and a summer hub for fast-paced, high-energy fan excitement. About Success Law Success Law is a proud Ontario law firm providing legal guidance and support in Real Estate Law and Wills & Estates Law. Built on a commitment to education, transparency, and community service, Success Law helps clients feel confident through some of life’s biggest milestones, from buying or selling a home to preparing a Will and planning for the future. As a growing GTA-based firm, Success Law is proud to support local families, businesses, realtors, mortgage brokers, and community initiatives across Brampton and the GTA. Every real estate transaction and estate plan represents an important chapter in a client’s life. Success Law helps clients protect what matters most and move forward with confidence. Turn your next milestone into your next success story with Success Law. Media Contact: Elias Eldridge - Account Executive & Communications Specialist Brampton Honey Badgers eeldridge@honeybadgers.ca

The Brampton Honey Badgers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) started the 2026 season on the right foot with back-to-back wins at the CAA Centre this past weekend on Friday, May 15, and Sunday, May 17. They kicked off the summer against their Eastern Conference rival Ottawa BlackJacks, but the home fans had to get used to the clean slate of players brought in for the season, with the exception of longtime Honey Badger Prince Oduro . “We get a lot of work done before practice and after practice. We got a lot of gym rats, we want to be the hardest working team in the league,” said head coach Alex Cerda , emphasizing key qualities of toughness and passion throughout training camp. Cerda picked up his first win as a professional head coach in the 91-86 victory against the BlackJacks, and felt very grateful and optimistic about the team he has assembled. “[I’m] just excited for our group,” remarked Cerda. “Those guys are a connected group, they play hard, they’re competitive. I feel like they were willing to run through a brick wall for me.” Cerda’s first pro win as head coach was not the only feat to be accomplished on Friday. Cameron Tyson broke the franchise record for three-pointers in a single game with eight in his CEBL debut. Ranking seventh in the all-time NCAA ranks in triples, there was no doubt that Tyson would be the one to set the new mark. “It feels good, ultimately after a win it feels even better,” Tyson said. “I had guys [like] Sean [East II], Prince [Oduro], coming up to me during the game telling me ‘keep shooting, we’ll keep finding you.’ Having my teammates have confidence in me makes me a little more confident. So I got to give all the praise to them.” The Honey Badgers united around Tyson and also tied the franchise record for combined three-pointers in a single game with 18. But although the performance set a strong tone, Cerda emphasized that the long-range totals are not solely who Brampton are as a team. “We don’t necessarily emphasize bombing threes,” Cerda explained. “I feel like when we put pressure on the rim, break the paint, have that mentality, it creates rhythmic catch-and-shoot threes. And then there’s some times it’s just the players being really good players.” After a short rest, the Honey Badgers took to home court again on Sunday, matching up against the Calgary Surge. But they did not slow down, as they cruised to an assertive 91-72 win to close the weekend. Sean East II , last year’s CEBL Most Valuable Player runner-up, had a second consecutive 12-assist game, a new career-high, to go along with 22 points and three steals. Early in his first season in Brampton, it seems the CEBL might be seeing a more complete version of East II this summer. “He’s an NBA point guard. He sees things and he’s able to make the right play. He’s firing on all cylinders for us and he’s definitely leading our group to victory,” said Cerda, who is coaching East II for the first time since they were together on the Los Angeles Lakers NBA Summer League squad in 2024. Sunday’s game was more physical, as Tyrese Hunter was at the forefront throughout the day and took a hard fall on his face after getting tied up in the air. But relating back to the tough identity, Hunter got back up in a short moment and carried on as if nothing had happened. “We can handle it,” said Hunter, who finished the game with 22 points on 9-for-18 shooting. “Everybody just kept going. I fell on my head and I just got up and kept going, that shows the competitive spirit that this team has.” After three days off, the Honey Badgers get their first taste of the road on Thursday in a rematch with the BlackJacks in Ottawa, before returning to home court for a battle against the Winnipeg Sea Bears on Monday, May 25. Tip off is set for 7:30 PM EST, you can get your tickets here to catch the action. ### About the Brampton Honey Badgers One of the original franchises of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the 2022 CEBL Champion Brampton Honey Badgers proudly call the CAA Centre home. The Brampton front office and basketball operations department bring NBA, NBA G League, national team, NCAA and major international pro league experience to the franchise. With a vision of promoting Brampton grassroots basketball and local businesses through community and corporate engagement, the Honey Badgers will leverage the explosion of basketball as a vehicle for innovation and change. For more information visit honeybadgers.ca . About the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) The Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) is Canada’s professional basketball league, featuring 10 member clubs across six provinces. Powered by elite talent, a fast-paced game format, and deep community connections, the CEBL delivers high-level basketball and unforgettable summer experiences for fans nationwide. The league boasts the youngest fan base in Canadian professional sport, half under age 34, and one of the fastest-growing audiences in the country, now reaching nearly 4.1 million Canadians. This momentum reflects the CEBL’s ability to deliver dynamic, thrilling gameplay while connecting deeply with a new generation of fans and expanding basketball’s cultural footprint across Canada. The CEBL is where elite performance meets homegrown talent. In 2025, 17 players with NBA experience hit the court, while nearly 70% of the league’s roster was Canadian, the highest concentration of domestic talent in any professional sports league in the country. Running from May through August, the CEBL’s season is a showcase of top basketball talent and a summer hub for fast-paced, high-energy fan excitement. Media Contact: Elias Eldridge - Account Executive & Communications Coordinator Brampton Honey Badgers eeldridge@honeybadgers.ca

Al Whitley was content in his post-basketball life after 22 years in the Dallas Mavericks front office. Then, Leonard Asper bought the Brampton Honey Badgers. Asper, a friend and business associate of Mark Cuban, sought expertise from the ex-Mavericks owner. Cuban referred him to Whitley, and it didn’t take long for the relationship to become official. “When it was presented to me,” recalled Whitley, now CEO of the Honey Badgers, “I think it was just an opportunity I couldn't say no to.” Whitley’s hire was announced in November. Six months later, Cuban joined the team’s ownership group. In between, the Honey Badgers rebuilt their entire franchise, including a trio of star free-agent signings in MVP runner-up Sean East II, Defensive Player of the Year Jameer Nelson Jr., and Canadian forward Keon Ambrose-Hylton. “Everybody's energized. We call it the new era in Brampton. I think the community is seeing that and embracing that. And we can't wait,” Whitley said. That new era of Honey Badgers basketball will tip off Friday when the team hosts the Ottawa BlackJacks at the CAA Centre (7:30 p.m. ET, CBC Gem/YouTube/CEBL+). Brampton is looking to bounce back from a pair of seasons in which its combined record was 11-33, including a 5-19 mark last year. The Honey Badgers have not won a playoff game since the franchise’s lone title in 2022. Of course, there’s plenty of reason to believe that could change now. And Whitley isn’t shying away from it. “Our expectations are to compete for a championship. That's Day 1. That's been the message. That’s gonna be our standard,” Whitley said. East II, the 26-year-old from Louisville, said it all begins with one simple goal. “We’re definitely going to be better than last year. That’s what we’re going towards. … We’re just going to keep putting the work in and see what you guys think,” the star guard said. For the 52-year-old Whitley, who’s been around Canadian basketball royalty his entire life — from growing up with Steve Nash to crossing paths with him in Dallas — the chance to make a direct impact on Canadian basketball through the Honey Badgers was greatly appealing. He said he’s kept tabs on the CEBL throughout its existence and received positive reviews from Mavericks coaches who spent time in the league. “This is the golden age of Canadian basketball. The talent in the NBA is unbelievable. And so anything I can do to help grow the game up here through my experiences in the NBA and beyond, I was definitely all in to try,” Whitley said. The Honey Badgers project was a big one, but Whitley knew he could lean on his expertise from his time in the NBA. After all, he was there as Dirk Nowitzki broke through for an NBA title in 2011, and he watched as great point guards like Nash, Jason Kidd and Luka Doncic plied their trades in Dallas. “For me it was just the gratitude to be around them every day, to see their approach, to see their mindset, how disciplined they are, what they do, that the small things matter, attention to detail matters. To be a part of that and see these guys on a day-to-day basis was an incredible experience for me and one that I did not take for granted,” Whitley said. Perhaps that point-guard influence is why Whitley targeted East II and Nelson Jr. among his key free-agent additions. East II enjoyed a remarkable first CEBL season with the Edmonton Stingers last year, when he put up the most points in the league while averaging 22.8 per game to go with 4.8 rebounds and 4.3 assists on 53.4 per cent shooting. Nelson Jr., meanwhile, paced the league in total steals and steals per game. “They got the right program over here,” East II said. “Like an NBA facility, running like an NBA organization. I don't know, just something about it was interesting to me. I just gravitated towards it.” Indeed, Whitley said player development was a key part of his free-agency pitch. “Our job is that these guys all come in and they are better when they leave. And how are they better? We have the system in place with our scouts, with our coaching staff, with my NBA experience, even at our executive level with our GM and assistant GM, where these guys are going to get better this summer,” Whitley said. “And we've kind of set it up like a G League type of environment in terms of development, right? We're trying to get them their next jobs and that's our job.” East II said Ambrose-Hylton was already aboard when he was first approached after a G League game about joining the Honey Badgers. It was only later that Nelson Jr. — who he has played with and against since college — also made the move. None of them knew at the time, of course, that they would be playing for Cuban-owned team. For Whitley, however, that was just a natural progression of the rapidly rising Honey Badgers. “There's a loyalty aspect there that goes a long way with Mark,” Whitley said. “Mark, at the end of the day, is a basketball junkie. He loves the game and he wants to see it grow on a world stage and he knows a ton about Canada. He's been up here a bunch of times with myself and my friends, he thinks Toronto and the GTA is a world-class city, so I think it was a very easy decision for him.” Even still, it was among the first things East II mentioned when asked about his new digs. “I like the city. It's pretty big. Nice apartments. Everything's nice. Nice facilities. Great arena. Great everything, man. Just got Mark Cuban on ownership. Everything's great. High energy. Just got to get it rolling towards the season,” he said. Whitley said the biggest lesson he learned over decades with Cuban in Dallas was that the fan experience is most important. In the CEBL, he said, that manifests itself in target time, when the action increases in excitement instead of turning into a foul-fest. But he also knows the ultimate fan experience ends in a win. “We want to be a franchise that our community is proud of on and off the court. And so that's my mindset,” Whitley said. “It's affordable entertainment. These are incredibly talented basketball players. The competition this year is going to be the best it's ever been in CEBL history, in my opinion. And we can't wait to get started.” ### About the Brampton Honey Badgers One of the original franchises of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the 2022 CEBL Champion Brampton Honey Badgers proudly call the CAA Centre home. The Brampton front office and basketball operations department bring NBA, NBA G League, national team, NCAA and major international pro league experience to the franchise. With a vision of promoting Brampton grassroots basketball and local businesses through community and corporate engagement, the Honey Badgers will leverage the explosion of basketball as a vehicle for innovation and change. For more information visit honeybadgers.ca . About the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) The Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) is Canada’s professional basketball league, featuring 10 member clubs across six provinces. Powered by elite talent, a fast-paced game format, and deep community connections, the CEBL delivers high-level basketball and unforgettable summer experiences for fans nationwide. The league boasts the youngest fan base in Canadian professional sport, half under age 34, and one of the fastest-growing audiences in the country, now reaching nearly 4.1 million Canadians. This momentum reflects the CEBL’s ability to deliver dynamic, thrilling gameplay while connecting deeply with a new generation of fans and expanding basketball’s cultural footprint across Canada. The CEBL is where elite performance meets homegrown talent. In 2025, 17 players with NBA experience hit the court, while nearly 70% of the league’s roster was Canadian, the highest concentration of domestic talent in any professional sports league in the country. Running from May through August, the CEBL’s season is a showcase of top basketball talent and a summer hub for fast-paced, high-energy fan excitement. Media Contact: Elias Eldridge - Account Executive & Communications Coordinator Brampton Honey Badgers eeldridge@honeybadgers.ca