The Canadian Elite Basketball League has reverted to a single-game championship format following the cancellation of a best-of-three final between the Winnipeg Sea Bears and Brampton Honey Badgers due to unsafe court conditions caused by condensation. The decision was made swiftly after the game began at CAA Centre.

Brampton initially took a 6-0 lead, but the game was halted when Sea Bears’ Xavier Moon slipped on the court. Consequently, the championship will now be decided in a single game to be held in Winnipeg on Saturday, available for viewing on CBC platforms. The league emphasized that this format change was the most practical way to determine a champion.

The Honey Badgers had previously defeated the Sea Bears twice this season. Winnipeg, despite entering the playoffs as underdogs, secured their spot in the final by defeating strong opponents. The game will feature a unique off-court storyline as the two teams are owned by siblings, David Asper managing the Sea Bears and Leonard Asper leading the Honey Badgers.

Both teams had notable playoff runs to reach the final, with Brampton triumphing over the Ottawa BlackJacks and Niagara River Lions, and Winnipeg stunning the Vancouver Bandits. The Sea Bears and Honey Badgers will now compete in the ultimate showdown for the CEBL title.