Saskatoon Mamba: Saskatchewan’s CEBL team drops Rattlers brand ahead of 2026 season

The Saskatchewan Rattlers are now the Saskatoon Mamba.

The Canadian Elite Basketball League team, which is under new ownership, announced the new name and logo at Merlis Belsher Place in Saskatoon on Wednesday, ending the speculation about the future of the franchise.

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Jason Ribeiro, the team’s new owner, in addition to owning the CEBL’s Calgary Surge, said the change represents “a fresh direction for the club and for the city.”

“We promised you all a new era, a credible vision for lasting success for basketball in the province of Saskatchewan,” Ribeiro told reporters on Wednesday.

The Saskatchewan Rattlers will now be known as the Saskatoon Mamba, but the team will still hit the court as the Rattlers for one heritage-themed game each season. (Saskatoon Mamba/Facebook)

Ribeiro said the new ownership group has already made “clear reforms” to address the team’s recent lack of on-court success, and noted that a second championship will be the “highest priority” for the franchise.

In addition to the new name and the black and pink colour scheme, the Mamba will be splitting its time between two buildings in the upcoming season.

“Our 2026 season will be played at both SaskTel Centre for five games and Merlis Belsher Place for seven games,” Ribeiro said.

Ribeiro also announced a new partnership with the University of Saskatchewan Huskies, which will see Mamba season ticket holders given vouchers for two U of S games, and vice versa for Huskies season ticket holders.

Additionally, Ribeiro said Mamba season ticket holders will be given discounts on merchandise for the newly rebranded team, as well as significant discounts on unsold Rattlers items.

Ribeiro noted that while the team will be known as the Mamba going forward, there will still be an annual acknowledgement of the franchise’s roots.

“We intend to honour that legacy every single year,” he said. “That is why our players will suit up once a year as the Saskatchewan Rattlers.”

While mambas are indigenous to Africa, the name was likely intended as a reference or tribute to the late Kobe Bryant, who styled himself the “Black Mamba” throughout his legendary NBA career.

Ty Mazereeuw, the CEBL’s president, noted that Saskatoon was the location for the league’s first game and first championship, which was won by the Rattlers.

“This is the eighth season, and we’re just getting started,” he said.