Sea Bears president named exec of year for 2nd consecutive season

Despite falling short of their ultimate goal on the court, it was another successful year for the Winnipeg Sea Bears.

And on Tuesday, the team’s president Jason Smith was named CEBL executive of the year for the second straight season.

The award is given to “the team executive who best lives the values of the CEBL by leading with integrity and good governance, fosters a positive organizational culture, leads a franchise that has demonstrated success on the basketball court, in the community and with the overall performance and development of their club’s business during the past year, demonstrates a long-term vision to grow their franchise in its market, and contributes to the success of the league beyond their own club while being an inspiration and valued colleague to peers around the CEBL.”

Under Smith’s guidance, the Sea Bears set a single-season league attendance record by welcoming over 86,000 fans to Canada Life Centre this summer, surpassing their own league record of 65,000 set in 2023.

“I am truly honored to receive this award. Once again, our fans showed up all season long, bringing incredible energy and community to every game. We are deeply grateful for their unwavering support, and we can’t wait to carry this momentum into 2025,” said Smith.

The Sea Bears have hosted four of the league’s top five highest-attended games.

Aside from attendance, the Sea Bears have hosted 15 youth basketball camps to the public and to children in underserved areas in Winnipeg, while also refurbishing two courts.

Smith is also a driving force in securing the hosting rights for the 2025 championship weekend, bringing the CEBL’s marquee event to Winnipeg.

“We are so excited to bring Canada’s largest basketball festival to Winnipeg next summer,” Smith added. “This gives us a chance to celebrate Sea Bears Nation and the incredible basketball community in this city and province.”