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Sea Bears

The Event

Over the course of their first three seasons, the Winnipeg Sea Bears quickly established themselves as one of the Canadian Elite Basketball League’s flagship franchises. From record-breaking attendance at Canada Life Centre to the creation of a vibrant game-day atmosphere featuring pre-game parties, live music, and community programming, the team became a catalyst for downtown activity. The Sea Bears also hosted the 2025 CEBL Championship Weekend, which extended beyond the arena into a multi-day festival on Graham Avenue that included a 3×3 basketball tournament, family-friendly zones, food vendors, local artisan markets, and performances on the Princess Auto Main Stage. Combined with grassroots outreach, player appearances, and partnerships across business, arts, and sport, the Sea Bears’ rise has been a defining success story in Canadian basketball.

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OUR ROLE

Currently, Jason serves as President of the Winnipeg Sea Bears, guiding the organization through its successful launch and establishing it as a leader in the Canadian Elite Basketball League.

As President of the Winnipeg Sea Bears, Jason Smith has overseen the launch and rapid growth of one of the Canadian Elite Basketball League’s most successful franchises. Collaborating closely with ownership, the league office, the Province of Manitoba, the City of Winnipeg, and local business leaders, he has guided the organization from its inaugural season through three record-setting years, establishing the Sea Bears as a cornerstone of Winnipeg’s sports and entertainment landscape.

Smith directs all facets of team operations, including sales and marketing, game production, fan engagement, and corporate partnerships, helping the Sea Bears to achieve league-leading attendance at Canada Life Centre and national recognition for their innovative game-day experience. His leadership was recognized when he was named CEBL Executive of the Year following both the 2023 and 2024 seasons.

In 2025, he guided the Sea Bears in hosting the CEBL Championship Weekend, which expanded well beyond the arena into a multi-day downtown festival. Working with city officials, festival organizers, and corporate sponsors, Smith oversaw the development of the PlayNow Street Festival on Graham Avenue, featuring a 3×3 basketball tournament, a family fun zone, an artisan market, local food vendors, and the Princess Auto Main Stage concert series.