With the 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League season approaching fast, it is time to look at some of the biggest headlines for each team in the Eastern Conference this summer. As a quick reminder, we all know that the landscape in the league can change overnight, which means that these takes are based on most players sticking it out for the entire season. There will also be a Western Conference piece coming out later this week. With that being said, let’s get into what each team’s top talking point is to begin the year.

Will The Good Times Continue to Roll?

The reigning two-time champions had some turnover off the floor that will raise some questions this season. Former River Lion Kimbal Mackenzie is now replacing one of the leagues best coaches Victor Raso, and it remains to be seen if Mackenzie will pick up right where Raso left off. The team returns many pieces from previous squads, so the chemistry should still be there for an organization that relies so heavily on that. MVP candidate Khalil Ahmad returns and he alone is good enough to win them a few games. It’s the new head on the bench that will be the biggest question mark for Niagara. Does Mackenzie shock us all and exceed expectations?

Is There Another Run In Them?

In almost every season of their existence, the Scarborough Shooting Stars don’t have much in terms of roster information at the moment. But the memo for them should be to try and make the championship game once more. While having won in 2023, it’s still felt like they’ve been in Niagara’s shadow. Do they have what it takes to get themselves back to the final, in what should be a top loaded conference? The addition of Myles Powell should be an indication they intend to still compete. It’s just if they can amass enough firepower to keep up. Time will have to tell.

Does Teamwork Beat Talent?

The Ottawa BlackJacks roster is quite interesting. After a season in which the team could have capitalized on a weaker conference, they finished at .500. They’ve followed up so far this offseason with a more than subpar roster in terms of talent. Many of the connective pieces from last summer have returned, but does having good chemistry and teamwork beat out a much more talented East in 2026? Matthew Cleveland should be a bright spot in what could be a down year in the nations capital. One or two more high-level acquisitions could change that opinion.

Can They Continue To Build?

A step was taken last summer when the Montreal Alliance were able to make the playoffs for the first time in their organizations history (the Championship Weekend semi-final bye does not count). Montreal still needs to show they can compete in the CEBL. 2026’s roster is not as eye-popping as it was a year ago, but the return of Quincy Guerrier, and addition of Tony Carr should allow them to still be competitive. But it will not be as talented as last year, which may hurt them as to how competitive they can possibly be this summer. Do they have another piece that moves the needle?

Championship Expectations?

It might be time to say: The Brampton Honey Badgers are back. Much emphasis was placed by the management group to bring the club back to relevance in the league. It’s clear that’s the case. They should have the best backcourt in the CEBL by far with Sean East II and Jameer Nelson Jr. Stealing away Keon Ambrose-Hylton and adding a few other complimentary pieces make them look quite formidable. The expectations should be sky-high with the roster they’ve assembled. But can they meet those expectations is another question. Niagara isn’t going to just give up the throne, Scarborough always has a player up their sleeve, and Montreal will not be an easy out. Do they have what it takes?

The CEBL season begins on May 9th, when the Winnipeg Sea Bears head to Edmonton, taking on the Stingers.