KHALIL AHMAD RETURNS TO NIAGARA FOR FIFTH STRAIGHT SEASON
St. Catharines, ON – The Niagara River Lions announced today the re-signing of 6’4 American guard Khalil Ahmad for the 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season. Widely regarded as the most decorated player in CEBL history, Ahmad returns to Niagara following back-to-back championship runs for his fifth season with the team after playing an instrumental role in the team's success averaging 19.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.3 steals during the 2025 campaign.

Ahmad most recently competed in Israel with Maccabi Rishon Lezion of the Israel Basketball Super League (Israel BSL), where he continued to showcase his elite scoring ability and two-way impact, putting up an average performance of 15.3 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 21 games.
“We are ecstatic about Khalil being back for season 5. He is the best player and closer in the league, and I’m excited to coach him” said Head Coach and General Manager, Kimbal Mackenzie, “On top of his elite basketball ability, we are excited to have Khalil around because of what he brings to our culture. “Lil” (Khalil) is super competitive, and his win first mentality rubs off on those around him.”
Since joining the River Lions in 2022, Ahmad has amassed an unmatched list of accolades including CEBL Player of the Year (2022), Defensive Player of the Year (2023), two-time Clutch Player of the Year (2022, 2023), three-time First Team All-CEBL selection (2022-2024), Scoring Champion (2022), Steals Leader (2023) and Finals MVP (2024). In 2025 Ahmad added another chapter to his legacy, leading the River Lions to a second consecutive championship while earning his second straight Finals MVP, while also being named to the Second All-CEBL Team.
Dubbed “The Lion King” or “Mr. Clutch,” Ahmad scored the game-winning shot in 2024 to secure the franchise’s first championship, and followed it up in 2025 with his fifth consecutive playoff game-winner to clinch the team’s second.
In addition to the CEBL, Ahmad has built an impressive international resume with stops in Iceland, Denmark, Belgium, and Italy, including a championship with BC Oostende in the BNXT League.
A product of Cal State Fullerton, Ahmad averaged 15.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.6 steals during his collegiate career. His accolades include Big West Freshman of the Year (2016), two-time All-Big West Second Team (2018, 2019), and multiple Player of the Week honours.
Ahmad is ready to return to Niagara and continue building on what has become one of the most storied careers in league history.
“I'm excited to be back in Niagara for a fifth year with the team. Niagara feels like a second home to me and I can't wait to chase a third ring with the best team in the league” said Ahmad.
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.
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Media Contact:
Mya Hastings
Social Media & Marketing Coordinator
mhastings@riverlions.ca