River Lions Announce Collaboration With Brock Men's Basketball
St. Catharines, Ontario – The Niagara River Lions and the Brock University Men’s Basketball Team today announced a collaboration in which the two organizations will team up on various community initiatives throughout the Niagara Region. The collaboration will see Brock basketball players support River Lions youth programs, school visits, and participate in other outreach initiatives alongside River Lions representatives.
“This is a natural fit for us,” said Michelle Biskup, Vice President of Operations for the River Lions. “Since the inception of the CEBL in 2019, our roster has included Brock players each year, so it makes sense to work together and show the community that we are committed to growing the game and giving back across Niagara.”
The collaboration will officially launch later this week during a Niagara River Lions theme night in Bob Davis Gymnasium as the Brock Badgers tip off against Lakehead University on Friday, November 11th at 8:00 PM. Brock students will get a taste of the River Lions game day experience, which will include various giveaways and in-game promotions. In turn, River Lions season ticket holders will receive complimentary tickets to take in Badgers basketball.
“We are extremely excited to team up with the River Lions,” said Willy Manigat, Head Coach of Brock Men's Basketball. “Since my arrival to Brock in 2019, we have worked together, and it is nice to have partners who want to grow the game in the Niagara Region."
This announcement between the River Lions and Badgers stems from a larger partnership between the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) and U SPORTS, which allows student athletes the unique opportunity to get their first taste of professional basketball by sharpening their game both on and off the court during the summer months. To date, four Brock University players have earned a developmental spot on the River Lions roster including, Tyler Brown (2019), Emmanuel Owootoah (2020, 2021), Jordan Tchuente (2022) and Isaiah Bujdoso (2022).
With the River Lions competing during the spring and summer months, and Brock during the fall and winter, this will create year-round opportunities for both organizations to cross-promote and collaborate.
The Niagara River Lions are one of the original six teams of the CEBL. Playing out of Meridian Centre in downtown St. Catharines, the River Lions represent the twelve municipalities of the Niagara Region while living up to the River Lions moniker of pride and strength of community. 2023 season tickets are on sale now. Visit
www.riverlions.ca/2023 for more information.
Niagara River Lions Contact:
Michelle Biskup
Vice President, Operations
Brock Men’s Basketball Contact:
Willy Manigat
Head Coach