Dear Calgary, Two and a half years ago, we stood before Calgary with a bold vision: to launch a professional basketball team that would do things differently – a team rooted in community, driven by creativity, and fearless in our ambition. This past Sunday, in front of a raucous crowd at WinSport Event Centre, we began our third season in the Canadian Elite Basketball League – Canada’s largest professional sports league. I’m honoured to be writing this letter on behalf of the hundreds of talented staff, athletes, and corporate partners that make up the Calgary Surge . Since that first press conference in October 2022, this journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Two straight Championship Weekend appearances. A record-breaking night at the Scotiabank Saddledome . Thousands of Surge ASSIST kids and families supported due to the generous support of donors and some unforgettable performances from our city’s talented and diverse artists. None of it was guaranteed – and none of it was easy. But thanks to the commitment of our people and the passion of our fans, we’ve built something truly authentic and bold. At the heart of our identity is a clear mission: to reflect, entertain, and unite communities through the power of basketball and the arts . And no matter what corner of the world I’ve traveled to over the last several months, whenever I share that mission with others, it typically follows with comments about how special that focus is. This season, our TRILOGY season, that vision grows even bigger. Our connection to the NBA has never been stronger. The Surge have now welcomed Head Coach Kaleb Canales , the first former NBA-experienced Head Coach to coach in the CEBL. The Surge have also now proudly signed the three highest NBA draft picks ever to play in the CEBL ( Greg Brown III , Khyri Thomas , and 2023 & 2024 player Justin Jackson ) – proof that the world’s best basketball talent believes in not only our organization but our beautiful city as well. And it’s not just the product on the court that’s elevating. This summer, we will launch SURGE CITY , a partnership with the City of Calgary to deliver free youth basketball clinics and a signature 3-on-3 tournament right in the heart of downtown. Over two seasons we have SURGED 2 THE DOME , over 12,000 strong, and we will again on August 10th for our season finale. In a few weeks’ time, we will SURGE 2 RED DEER for a Battle of Alberta, the first ever neutral site game held in the CEBL’s 7 seasons, and on July 9th we will SURGE to STAMPEDE as a headline act on our biggest stage to date. But above all that, we are most proud of the work that we do in community. There are fewer bright lights, there is less fanfare, but the impact we’ve been able to create in youth simply picking up a basketball for the first time, playing with others in an environment where there they are respected and cared for and emboldened to do great things has been our greatest achievement over the last two and half years. With every milestone, our foundation grows stronger — as a team, as a civic partner, and as one of Western Canada’s top-tier live event operators. Under the banner of REAL Entertainment & Culture Inc. , we will continue to shape community at the highest levels possible. Thank you for your unwavering belief in us, and your Home Team . Yours, Jason Ribeiro, Ph.D. Vice-Chairman & President, Calgary Surge Co-Founder REAL Entertainment & Culture Inc.

Calgary, AB – This summer, The City of Calgary and the Calgary Surge are teaming up to bring FREE youth basketball clinics and a high-energy 3-on-3 tournament to the heart of our city. Whether you’re a future star or just looking for summer fun, everyone’s invited to get in the game! This community program kicks off the end of June, offering youth ages nine-12 and 13-17 the chance to sharpen their basketball skills with professional-level coaching at the Century Gardens Basketball Courts (826 8 Avenue SW). The 3-on-3 basketball tournament is happening later this summer with details coming soon. Since opening in 2023, the colourful courts have attracted positive activity in Downtown West and provides a recreation opportunity for nearby residents and office workers. In true Calgary fashion, the basketball courts are active rain, shine and even snow. “This is the kind of partnership that brings our vision for downtown Calgary to life,” says Mayor Jyoti Gondek. “By working with the Calgary Surge and investing in free, accessible programming like these youth basketball clinics, we are building community, creating safer public spaces, and making downtown a place where people want to be." Thom Mahler, Director of Downtown Strategy with The City, wholeheartedly agrees. “Shaping a greater downtown is more than just bricks and mortar, it’s about people, access and community. With so much development happening in Downtown West, including six residential, one hotel and one post-secondary conversion we want to ensure there’s space for people to gather and find community. The Century Gardens Basketball Courts is the perfect place to activate.” Basketball has always been more than just a game — it’s a way to connect people, create positive outlets and foster safer, more vibrant communities. By integrating sports and entertainment, arts and culture, programming and installations with downtown revitalization, The City and its partners are creating engaging experiences and dynamic public spaces that foster community; a place where people feel safe and welcome. “The Surge are proud to be part of initiatives that bring positive impacts to diverse communities across Calgary,” says Jason Ribeiro, Vice-Chairman & President of the Calgary Surge. “We know what sport and arts and culture can do — they build confidence, keep kids engaged, and bring people together. Downtown Calgary is the perfect stage for this kind of programming and investment.” Catriona Le May Doan, President & CEO of Sport Calgary is happy to see this partnership come to life. “Providing free access to sport for youth in the downtown core isn’t just about physical activity – it’s about opening doors and allowing everyone the chance to play, building character and empowering the next generation to strive for excellence both on and off the court.” Event Highlights: Free Basketball Clinics for youth ages nine-12 and 13-17 at the Century Gardens Basketball Courts (826 8 Avenue SW). Downtown 3-on-3 Tournament, more information to come shortly. Special appearances by Calgary Surge players and coaches. Whether you’re a rising basketball star, a first-time dribbler or just looking for something fun to do, this summer series is for you. Don’t miss your shot - grab your friends, hit the court and be part of the action downtown. For more information about the free basketball clinics or the tournament, visit https://www.calgarysurge.ca/downtown-summer-youth-basketball-clinics

The Battle of Alberta picked up right where it left off on Sunday. In the opening game of the 2025 CEBL season, the Calgary Surge beat the Edmonton Stingers 86-84 at the Edmonton EXPO Centre. For the Stingers, their season starts in the same bitter way that the last two seasons ended after they fell to the Surge in the Western Conference semifinals each time. Meanwhile, the Surge — boasting a largely new lineup, including Jameer Nelson Jr., who scored the game winner — still seem to have the upper hand on their provincial rival. “I thought the crowd was great. I thought that was a lot of adversity for us. And it’s a rivalry, so I feel like we’re gonna be tested, but that was definitely a tough test to start the season,” Nelson Jr. said after the game. The Stingers took a 10-point lead into the fourth quarter, but the Surge responded with an 11-1 run to tie things up. Edmonton and Calgary remained knotted at 77 apiece when the clock was stopped for Target Score Time. The Stingers again raced to an advantage, scoring the next five points. But the Surge battled back once more with a 7-0 run before the Stingers tied the game at 84, setting the stage for next-bucket-wins territory. That’s when Nelson Jr. put a speedy end to things, racing coast-to-coast for a layup to seal the win in his first-ever CEBL game. “I didn’t know I was gonna get that open. I got full speed, so there was no reason to stop,” Nelson Jr., who was named game MVP, told sideline reporter Sarah Ryan. Nelson Jr. led the Surge with 22 points on seven-for-12 shooting, adding five rebounds and four assists. The 23-year-old, who is the son of longtime Orlando Magic guard Jameer Nelson, completed his NCAA career with Texas Christian University in 2024 before playing 30 games with the G League’s Austin Spurs, where he scored 11.4 points per contest. He had three simple words on his first taste of the Battle of Alberta. “I love it,” he told Ryan. On the other side, Stingers coach Jordan Baker said his team fell just short in a hard-fought contest. “Up and down. Game of runs, we just ended up on the wrong end of one at the end,” he said. Meanwhile, Calgary Surge head coach Kaleb Canales got an early lesson in what makes the CEBL so unique in his first game. Canales entered his first season as the only bench boss in league history with NBA experience after leading the Portland Trail Blazers for 23 games in 2012. He credited his team’s toughness for the comeback. “Season openers, there’s gonna be jitters, there’s gonna be mistakes. But basketball’s an imperfect game. It just shows the level of toughness we’ve shown throughout camp,” Canales said. Greg Brown III impressed in his first CEBL action with 14 points, seven rebounds and four blocks, while Sean Miller-Moore and Gabe Osabuohien also contributed 14 points each for Calgary. For Edmonton, Sean East II led the way with a game-high 22 points, plus eight rebounds and eight assists. East II, 24, graduated from the University of Missouri in 2024 and went on to spend his first professional season split between the G League’s South Bay Lakers and Romania’s BC Athletic Constanta. The springy guard managed to get into just four total games, all in Europe. Still, he showed no rust in averaging 25.5 points per contest. That offensive flare continued with Edmonton. “He’s dynamic with the ball in his hands, he’s capable from inside and out, he creates for others. I gave him a challenge before the game to rebound the basketball and he had eight of them,” Baker said. East II said he enjoyed his first taste of CEBL basketball. “It was good energy. It’s a different type of game. It’s entertainment, but it’s a serious game, so you gotta stay locked in on getting the win,” East II said. Stingers guard Aaron Rhooms, a Toronto native who just completed his junior season with Toronto Metropolitan University, added nine points and five rebounds in the loss. Forward Keon Ambrose-Hylton posted a 15-point, 12-rebound double-double. A fast-paced first quarter ended with the teams tied at 23, but the Surge took a 45-44 advantage into halftime after ending the second quarter on a 9-0 run. Edmonton responded with a big third quarter to take a 66-58 lead into the final 10 minutes. The game marked No. 1 of what is set to be the biggest CEBL season ever as the schedule expands to 24 games per team. Calgary and Edmonton will meet twice more, including on June 19 during the first CEBL game ever in Red Deer, Alta. Box Score https://www.cebl.ca/game?id=2600563 Up next Both teams return to the court Friday as Calgary’s season-opening road trip continues with a stop in Niagara to face the River Lions, while Edmonton travels to Winnipeg to meet the Sea Bears. The next CEBL game is Thursday night when the Saskatchewan Rattlers host the Vancouver Bandits. For the full 2025 CEBL schedule and up-to-date results, please visit cebl.ca/games.

The Battle of Alberta picked up right where it left off on Sunday. In the opening game of the 2025 CEBL season, the Calgary Surge beat the Edmonton Stingers 86-84 at the Edmonton EXPO Centre. For the Stingers, their season starts in the same bitter way that the last two seasons ended after they fell to the Surge in the Western Conference semifinals each time. Meanwhile, the Surge — boasting a largely new lineup, including Jameer Nelson Jr., who scored the game winner — still seem to have the upper hand on their provincial rival. “I thought the crowd was great. I thought that was a lot of adversity for us. And it’s a rivalry, so I feel like we’re gonna be tested, but that was definitely a tough test to start the season,” Nelson Jr. said after the game. The Stingers took a 10-point lead into the fourth quarter, but the Surge responded with an 11-1 run to tie things up. Edmonton and Calgary remained knotted at 77 apiece when the clock was stopped for Target Score Time. The Stingers again raced to an advantage, scoring the next five points. But the Surge battled back once more with a 7-0 run before the Stingers tied the game at 84, setting the stage for next-bucket-wins territory. That’s when Nelson Jr. put a speedy end to things, racing coast-to-coast for a layup to seal the win in his first-ever CEBL game. “I didn’t know I was gonna get that open. I got full speed, so there was no reason to stop,” Nelson Jr., who was named game MVP, told sideline reporter Sarah Ryan. Nelson Jr. led the Surge with 22 points on seven-for-12 shooting, adding five rebounds and four assists. The 23-year-old, who is the son of longtime Orlando Magic guard Jameer Nelson, completed his NCAA career with Texas Christian University in 2024 before playing 30 games with the G League’s Austin Spurs, where he scored 11.4 points per contest. He had three simple words on his first taste of the Battle of Alberta. “I love it,” he told Ryan. On the other side, Stingers coach Jordan Baker said his team fell just short in a hard-fought contest. “Up and down. Game of runs, we just ended up on the wrong end of one at the end,” he said. Meanwhile, Calgary Surge head coach Kaleb Canales got an early lesson in what makes the CEBL so unique in his first game. Canales entered his first season as the only bench boss in league history with NBA experience after leading the Portland Trail Blazers for 23 games in 2012. He credited his team’s toughness for the comeback. “Season openers, there’s gonna be jitters, there’s gonna be mistakes. But basketball’s an imperfect game. It just shows the level of toughness we’ve shown throughout camp,” Canales said. Greg Brown III impressed in his first CEBL action with 14 points, seven rebounds and four blocks, while Sean Miller-Moore and Gabe Osabuohien also contributed 14 points each for Calgary. For Edmonton, Sean East II led the way with a game-high 22 points, plus eight rebounds and eight assists. East II, 24, graduated from the University of Missouri in 2024 and went on to spend his first professional season split between the G League’s South Bay Lakers and Romania’s BC Athletic Constanta. The springy guard managed to get into just four total games, all in Europe. Still, he showed no rust in averaging 25.5 points per contest. That offensive flare continued with Edmonton. “He’s dynamic with the ball in his hands, he’s capable from inside and out, he creates for others. I gave him a challenge before the game to rebound the basketball and he had eight of them,” Baker said. East II said he enjoyed his first taste of CEBL basketball. “It was good energy. It’s a different type of game. It’s entertainment, but it’s a serious game, so you gotta stay locked in on getting the win,” East II said. Stingers guard Aaron Rhooms, a Toronto native who just completed his junior season with Toronto Metropolitan University, added nine points and five rebounds in the loss. Forward Keon Ambrose-Hylton posted a 15-point, 12-rebound double-double. A fast-paced first quarter ended with the teams tied at 23, but the Surge took a 45-44 advantage into halftime after ending the second quarter on a 9-0 run. Edmonton responded with a big third quarter to take a 66-58 lead into the final 10 minutes. The game marked No. 1 of what is set to be the biggest CEBL season ever as the schedule expands to 24 games per team. Calgary and Edmonton will meet twice more, including on June 19 during the first CEBL game ever in Red Deer, Alta. Box Score https://www.cebl.ca/game?id=2600563 Up next Both teams return to the court Friday as Calgary’s season-opening road trip continues with a stop in Niagara to face the River Lions, while Edmonton travels to Winnipeg to meet the Sea Bears. The next CEBL game is Thursday night when the Saskatchewan Rattlers host the Vancouver Bandits. 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. Season tickets, flex packs and single-game tickets are now available league wide. Ticket information for all CEBL games can be found by visiting cebl.ca/tickets and cebl.ca/cw25/tickets.