St. Catharines, ON — The Niagara River Lions will bring a taste of Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) basketball back to Hamilton this Thursday with a pre-season school day game at McMaster University presented by Denninger’s . The back-to–back CEBL Champions will take on a Hamilton All-Star squad in an 11:00am game, furthering the organization’s commitment to growing its presence and engaging new fans in the Hamilton region. “Bringing a pre-season school day game to Hamilton was a natural next step for us,” said Team President Michelle Biskup. “Over the past few years, we’ve seen tremendous support from fans in the Hamilton area. This is an opportunity to connect with that next generation in a meaningful way. It’s about meeting youth where they are, building excitement early, and continuing to grow the River Lions community beyond Niagara.” Head Coach and General Manager Kimbal Mackenzie, who also serves as the team’s Brand and Community Ambassador during the CEBL off-season, has played a key role in expanding the organization’s footprint in Hamilton especially over the past eight months. Through school visits, grassroots programming, and community outreach initiatives, Mackenzie has helped build strong, lasting relationships that continue to drive the team’s growth in the market. The game will welcome more than 1,500 students from 17 schools across the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board and Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board, many of whom will be experiencing professional basketball for the first time. Students will be immersed in the full River Lions game day experience, bringing the energy, excitement, and atmosphere of a CEBL game to David Braley Athletic Centre. “Denninger's is proud to sponsor the Niagara River Lions, as we value the opportunity to participate in our community,” said Nicole Scullion, Marketing Coordinator at Denninger’s. The pre-season matchup will mark the conclusion of the team’s training camp, providing a final opportunity to evaluate the roster ahead of the 2026 season. The River Lions will officially tip off their campaign on May 18 in Ottawa against the Blackjacks , opening with a five-game road swing before returning to Niagara for their home opener on May 29 at 7:00 p.m. at the Meridian Centre against the Vancouver Bandits . The Niagara River Lions are one of the founding franchises of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) and the league’s reigning back-to-back champions (2024 & 2025). Competing out of the Meridian Centre in downtown St. Catharines, from May to August each season, the River Lions proudly represent the twelve municipalities of the Niagara Region, uniting fans through passion, pride, and purpose. Entering their second decade, the River Lions have earned a reputation for championship-caliber performance and community impact, embodying the strength and spirit of Niagara both on and off the court. For more information, visit www.riverlions.ca or follow on social: @NiagaraRiverLions on Instagram , Facebook , TikTok , & LinkedIn and @RiverLions on X . Denninger’s is a specialty grocery store with four retail locations in Hamilton and Burlington, Ontario offering premium quality meats & sausages and wholesome prepared meals using family recipes since 1954. ### Media Contact: Cole Meyering Communications Coordinator communications@riverlions.ca

St. Catharines, ON – The Niagara River Lions announced today the 16 players set to report for the start of training camp ahead of the 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season. Training camp presented by FUUL Eatz will take place from May 9 to May 13 at Brock University , Ridley College and the Walker Sports and Abilities Centre at Canada Games Park, and will conclude with a preseason game at McMaster University on Thursday, May 14.At that time, Head Coach and General Manager Kimbal Mackenzie and his staff will evaluate the group before finalizing the roster ahead of the River Lions’ 2026 season opener on May 18 against the Ottawa Blackjacks . “I’m very excited about this group that we will be bringing in for training camp. Our priority above all else has been finding players who fit our team culture and identity,” said Head Coach and General Manager, Kimbal Mackenzie. “Assembling a training camp roster is always a bit of a craft, especially when you’re managing the timing of players finishing overseas seasons and navigating arrivals, but we’re really excited about the group we’ve put together. This is a group of players who value winning. Furthermore, there is a ton of talent, versatility and size. I can’t wait to get to work with this group!” The training camp roster features a competitive mix of returning core players, 2024 and 2025 championship contributors, and new additions competing for roster spots. Key returning players from last season include Elijah Lufile and Nathan Cayo. Khalil Ahmad and Curtis Hollis are expected to report to the team following the conclusion of their overseas seasons. Familiar faces returning to the organization after previous stints with the team include Connor Vreeken, Isaiah Bujdoso, Jordan Tchuente, Luka Syllas, Nathan Charles and T.J. Lall. Also joining camp are CEBL Signing Day athletes Nigel Hylton (University of Toronto) and Ayub Nurhussien (Ontario Tech University). New Canadian additions to training camp include Blondeau Tchoukuiegno, Cole Long, Michael Okafor and JD Muila, bringing a mix of athleticism, size and versatility to the roster. Meanwhile, Kameron Warrens, Tayler Persons and Tom Digbeu will compete for the team’s import spots throughout training camp. River Lions players will be fueled by local restaurant partners during training camp including FUUL Eat z, Fork & Fuel , and Oddbar . With a highly competitive group assembled, training camp will play a critical role in shaping the River Lions’ roster and identity as they prepare for the 2026 CEBL season. Training Camp Roster:

St. Catharines, ON – The Niagara River Lions are proud to announce the launch of their 2026 Open Practices, a community-focused basketball initiative that will bring experiences to neighbourhoods across the Niagara Region, including stops in Port Colborne, Grimsby and St. Catharines through three free open practices this summer. This program reflects the River Lions ongoing commitment to the Niagara Region by fostering a vibrant basketball culture, supporting accessible, high-quality playing environments, and creating meaningful opportunities for the community to connect with the River Lions. The launch of this program plans to build on the River Lions existing commitment to growing the sport of Basketball across all twelve municipalities. Existing initiatives including the Mesh Refresh program have worked to implement upgrades to outdoor courts and make the sport of basketball more accessible in the Niagara Region. The three open practices, which are free for fans to attend, will further expand on the River Lions’ community engagement efforts by providing fans with the opportunity to watch professional basketball practices firsthand while participating in skill development activities led by professional coaches and players. The 2026 Open Practices will provide the opportunity to gain a behind the scenes look at the preparation and teamwork that contributes to the River Lions success, offering fans of all ages the opportunity to connect with the team. Led by River Lions Head Coach and General Manager Kimbal Mackenzie, each practice will begin with 1 hour of River Lions Practice. Next, fans will be able to hop on the court for 30 minutes of skill demonstrations and drills led by River Lions players and coaches. Each session will wrap up with opportunities for fans to take photos and receive autographs from some of their favourite River Lions. “Bringing open practices to Port Colborne and Grimsby is a meaningful step for our organization.” said Business Operations Manager, Tyler Vincent. “The River Lions represent more than just one city, we represent an entire region and it is important that we show up in communities across Niagara, create access for our fans, and make sure everyone feels connected to this team.” Open Practice Schedule: Tuesday May 12 - Port Colborne | Vale Health and Wellness Centre (6:00pm - 8:00pm) Tuesday June 16 - Grimsby | Major Refrigeration Peach King Centre (6:15pm - 8:15pm) Tuesday July 7 - St. Catharines | Meridian Centre (6:00pm - 8:00pm) Community members are encouraged to attend, participate, and experience basketball in their own neighborhood. RSVP’s are encouraged through visiting www.riverlions.ca/openpracRSVP . The Niagara River Lions are one of the founding franchises of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) and the league’s reigning back-to-back champions (2024 & 2025). Competing out of the Meridian Centre in downtown St. Catharines, from May to August each season, the River Lions proudly represent the twelve municipalities of the Niagara Region, uniting fans through passion, pride, and purpose. Entering their second decade, the River Lions have earned a reputation for championship-caliber performance and community impact, embodying the strength and spirit of Niagara both on and off the court. For more information, visit www.riverlions.ca or follow on social: @NiagaraRiverLions on Instagram , Facebook , TikTok , & LinkedIn and @RiverLions on X . ### Media Contact: Cole Meyering Communications Coordinator communications@riverlions.ca

May 6, 2026 – Toronto, ON – Today, the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced the return of Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC) as a key player in the League’s partner lineup for a third consecutive season. As Canada’s federal Crown corporation that protects deposits in the event of member institution failure, it is fitting that CDIC will serve as the presenting partner of the CEBL Defensive Player of the Year award, recognizing the league’s top defender at the conclusion of the 2026 season. Expanding its presence across the league, CDIC will be featured on CEBL referee jerseys throughout this season, a natural extension of the brand’s alignment with integrity, accountability, and consistency. In addition, CDIC and the CEBL will spotlight the top defensive play of the week, celebrating the hustle and high-effort moments that define winning basketball. “CDIC is happy to renew its partnership with the CEBL for the 2026 season,” said Tamara Mason, Head of Communications & Public Awareness at CDIC. We’re committed to strengthening Canadians’ understanding of deposit protection, knowing that awareness builds confidence in the financial system and supports its stability. After the success of the Defensive Player of the Week, we’re excited to expand our partnership with the CEBL by celebrating strong defenders on the court through the Defensive Player of the Year.” Since its establishment in 1967, CDIC has played a vital role in safeguarding Canada’s financial system, insuring eligible deposits at member institutions up to $100,000 per institution, per insured category, and reinforcing confidence in the banking system nationwide. “As we head into another season of Canada’s Pro Basketball League, it’s partners like CDIC who’ll help fans get closer to our game,” said CEBL President and CEO Ty Mazereeuw. “From highlighting the league’s top defenders to celebrating the biggest defensive plays each week, this partnership brings fans closer to our players and getting the stories behind the intensity of our on-court action.” Beginning May 9, CBC Sports will stream every game of the 2026 CEBL season live on CBC Gem , cbcsports.ca , and the CBC Sports YouTube channel . Additionally, six regular season matchups, the Conference Finals, and the best-of-three CEBL Finals will be broadcast nationally on CBC TV, bringing Canada’s Pro Basketball League to fans across the country. For the full 2026 CEBL schedule, visit cebl.ca/schedule . Details on the league’s new playoff format are available at cebl.ca/playoffs , and ticket information for all CEBL games can be found at cebl.ca/tickets . - CEBL - About the Canadian Elite Basketball League The Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) is Canada’s professional basketball league, featuring 10 member clubs across six provinces. Powered by elite talent, a fast-paced game format, and deep community connections, the CEBL delivers high-level basketball and unforgettable summer experiences for fans nationwide. The league boasts the youngest fan base in Canadian professional sport, half under 34, and one of the fastest-growing audiences in the country, now reaching nearly 4.1 million Canadians. This momentum reflects the CEBL’s ability to deliver dynamic, thrilling gameplay while connecting authentically with a new generation of fans and expanding basketball’s cultural footprint across Canada. The CEBL is where elite performance meets homegrown talent. In 2025, 17 players with NBA experience hit the court, while nearly 70% of the league’s roster was Canadian, the highest concentration of domestic talent in any professional sports league in the country. Running from May through August, the CEBL has become a proven pathway for top basketball talent and a summer hub for fast-paced, high-energy fan excitement. About the CDIC The Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC) is a federal Crown corporation, established by Parliament in 1967. CDIC protects people’s insured deposits and contributes to financial stability by safeguarding over $1 trillion in deposits at more than 80 member institutions. As resolution authority, CDIC is responsible for handling the failure of their members, from the smallest to the largest. Members include banks, federally regulated credit unions, as well as trust and loan companies. They are funded by premiums paid by member institutions and do not receive public funds to operate. They have resolved 43 member failures to date, affecting some two million depositors. No one has ever lost any money under CDIC protection. Media Contacts : Kyle Warrener – Manager, Communications & Content Canadian Elite Basketball League (905) 870-1262 | kwarrener@cebl.ca Media Inquiries CDIC (613) 943-4395 | media@cdic.ca

St. Catharines, ON – The Niagara River Lions announced today the signing of 6’6 American guard Curtis Hollis for the 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season. Hollis is currently playing in Riga, Latvia with the VEF Riga putting up an average performance of 15 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 15 games. Hollis started the 2025 campaign with the Vancouver Bandits , and joined the River Lions in late July for the final playoff push. In four games, he averaged 7.8 points and 4.5 rebounds and shot 43.8 from beyond the arc, cementing himself as a key contributor during both the Eastern Conference Final and Championship Game. “We are excited to have Curtis back in Niagara! Curtis has extensive CEBL experience and has proved that he impacts winning in many ways.” Said Head Coach and General Manager Kimbal Mackenzie. “ His ability to score the ball stands out, but Curtis is a team first player who wants to win.” An Arlington, Texas native, Hollis also saw action during the 2024 CEBL season with both the Vancouver Bandits and Montreal Alliance , where he averaged 17 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 25.5 minutes per game. Hollis played overseas during the 2024-25 season with Helsinki Seagulls in Finland’s Korisliiga, posting averages of 16.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 27.6 minutes in 38 games played. His global career also includes stops in South Africa, the Dominican Republic, the Central African Republic, Germany and NBA G League training camp invites with the Detroit Pistons ’ affiliate, Motor City Cruise (2022), and Golden State Warriors ’ affiliate, Santa Cruz Warriors (2021). Hollis played post-secondary basketball at Hutchinson Community College in Kansas, where he helped lead the Blue Dragons to a Round of 16 appearance at the 2018 NJCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship. In his lone collegiate season, he averaged 6.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists over 34 games. “I’m happy to be back for another summer with the Niagara River Lions,” said Hollis. “Since the season ended last summer I knew that I wanted to come back for another one. I’m ready to get in front of our great fans, do what the team needs me to do and play a bigger role this summer to help bring a three-peat. I’m excited to be coached by Kimbal; we have a strong relationship and I know he will be an amazing coach just like he was a player. I’m excited about this team and I can’t wait to be back around some familiar faces this season.” The Niagara River Lions are one of the founding franchises of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) and the league’s reigning back-to-back champions (2024 & 2025). Competing out of the Meridian Centre in downtown St. Catharines, from May to August each season, the River Lions proudly represent the twelve municipalities of the Niagara Region, uniting fans through passion, pride, and purpose. Entering their second decade, the River Lions have earned a reputation for championship-caliber performance and community impact, embodying the strength and spirit of Niagara both on and off the court. For more information, visit www.riverlions.ca or follow on social: @NiagaraRiverLions on IG , FB , TikTok , & LinkedIn and @RiverLions on X . ### Media Contact: Mya Hastings Social Media & Marketing Coordinator mhastings@riverlions.ca