Fans get home court advantage as first ever professional basketball game tips-off in Whitehorse

The squeak of sneakers and the roar of a professional basketball crowd are sounds the Yukon had only heard on TV, until yesterday. Whitehorse fans are riding high following their first ever courtside access to a Canadian Elite Basketball League in the Yukon.

“It’s pretty exciting to have an event this big in Whitehorse,” said Brooke McKenzie, a local resident. 

The Saskatoon Mamba won 96-92 against the Calgary Surge at Takhini Arena in Whitehorse in the inaugural Snowline Gold 2026 REAL North Classic last night. 

The teams are part of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), a professional basketball league with teams from across the country.

“I’m just really excited to watch basketball in real life with my family instead of just on TV,” said Gage Howatt, a local fan who was given tickets for his 12th birthday. 

While the Saskatoon Mamba left with the win, both teams were won over by the crowd. 

“It was a lot of energy, the fans were great,” said Jaylin Williams, a forward with the Saskatoon Mambas. “Guys were signing autographs … it’s a wonderful feeling.”

 “The community embraced the players and I think the players appreciated the community tonight. I know I did,” said David Deaveiro, head coach of the Calgary Surge. 

More than just game day

But before a single ball could be bounced, the court itself had to make the trek north. The Calgary Surge brought their own professional-grade court to transform the local arena.

It was a joint effort between the CEBL, Sport Yukon, and REAL Entertainment and Culture Inc., explained Connor Gunn, a spokesperson with Real Entertainment and Culture Inc. 

For the two teams, “this is a pivotal part of the season,” said Gunn. “They’re playing in a neutral site where no one knows who they are but they’re going to see — and the fans are going to see — a lot of excitement and a lot of energy on the court.” 

The game was not the only excitement this week. The team mascots walked in the Canada Day parade and a 3-on-3 basketball tournament took place at Takhini Arena. 

“It’s super exciting for [the kids],” said Tim Brady, coach for Wolf Pack Basketball, a basketball development program for youth in Whitehorse and rural Yukon communities . “It’s just another opportunity for them to see the game play at a little higher level than they’ve seen.”

The kids got the chance to play on the full-sized basketball court brought up from Calgary, as well as attend the game.

Thomas Centeno, a Wolf Pack baller, was excited to “just see the players playing and see how much better I need to get.” 

Some of the kids shared that it’s a chance to watch role models. “Yeah, it’s exciting,” said Ethan MacDonald, another Wolf Pack player. “I’m very inspired by the players.” 

A growing sport in the Yukon

The kids agreed they have seen basketball grow in popularity. “I think that’s one of the reasons they decided to bring the game here is because it’s just a big growing sport,” explained MacDonald. 

“It has exploded,” said Sean McCarron, a high school teacher and longtime basketball coach in Whitehorse. Over the years, multiple leagues have blossomed in Whitehorse including a women’s league, men’s league, and Filipino leagues. 

Now, with the CEBL rolling into town, it’s about bringing all these groups together, explained McCarron.

Organizers have committed to bringing this event back to Whitehorse for the next three years. 

“My hope is … we’ll be able to tap into the game and what it could offer for youth at different points of the year,” said McCarron.