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. 

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