Saskatchewan’s professional basketball team, now renamed the Saskatoon Mamba, commenced their new season on Thursday, facing the Vancouver Bandits in a tough match. The Mamba suffered a 124-95 defeat, marking the first regular season game since the franchise’s rebranding under new ownership. This transformation followed the abandonment of the Saskatchewan Rattlers name and logo, which had been in place for eight years.
Mamba’s Community Engagement
The team emphasized community involvement by inviting local school groups to attend the home opener for free. Thousands of students filled the stands at SaskTel Centre, contributing to one of the highest attendance figures for a basketball game at the venue.
- Date of Event: Thursday, first game of the season
- Final Score: Saskatoon Mamba 95 — Vancouver Bandits 124
- Attendees: Thousands of students from local schools
- Venue: SaskTel Centre
New Ownership and Future Plans
Team chairman Jason Ribeiro expressed enthusiasm about the response to the team’s rebranding efforts. He noted that this season represents a fresh start, allowing the Mamba to engage with the community creatively. Ribeiro highlighted their focus on youth and the desire to build momentum in the local area.
Previously, the Rattlers had a challenging record in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), finishing last in the Western Conference for three consecutive years. In the 2025 season, the team ended with just seven wins out of 24 games.
The Symbolism of the Mamba
The choice of the Mamba as the new team name reflects a desire for a unique identity. Ribeiro remarked on the selection of a snake, stating, “We’re continuing that identity.” This decision, he believes, injects freshness into the franchise while preserving elements of history.
Venue for Upcoming Games
For the 2026 season, the Mamba is scheduled to play seven home games at Merlis Belsher Place on the University of Saskatchewan campus and five at SaskTel Centre. The former has a seating capacity of 2,750, while the latter can accommodate over 15,000 fans.
As the Saskatoon Mamba embarks on this new journey, they aim to forge a strong connection with the community while enhancing their competitive performance in the league.
