The Ottawa BlackJacks kick off their seventh season in the Capital on May 12. The reigning western conference champions, the Calgary Surge, will come to town to begin our season with some healthy competition. But the excitement doesn’t end there. Our half-time performance will feature Canadian R&B singer, Xav Trudeau. Featuring songs like Til The Nights Done, Back Me Up and The Dive, this show is one you don’t want to miss. Releasing his first single in February 2025, Xav has now released five singles and one EP titled When Does It End? The young music star is set to light up the BlackJacks court alongside our dancers in between two great halves of basketball. “I’m excited to perform at the BlackJacks game. Ottawa has such great energy, so I’m looking forward to being part of that vibe, ” said Trudeau. This night will feature more than just hoops and music. Mayor Mark Sutcliffe will be in attendance for the game as well Revello Williamson , a local food reviewer and influencer. The home opener will set the tone for our entire season. Good hoops, good entertainment and good company. Along with a theme for every game, you will watch electrifying half-time shows and see local influencers at each game. We want it to be an experience, and one that you will talk about for days after. Single-game tickets are currently available to purchase by visiting theblackjacks.ca/tickets . BlackJacks 2026 season-seat memberships are available now. For additional details, fans are encouraged to email ticketing@theblackjacks.ca or call 613-294-1133 . About the Ottawa BlackJacks The first expansion franchise of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the Ottawa BlackJacks are a professional men’s basketball team competing out of The Arena at TD Place. The club is committed to excellence on-and-off the court and aims to inspire community pride, foster grassroots development and deliver an unparalleled fan experience. For more information, visit theblackjacks.ca . About the CEBL 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 age 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 deeply 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’s season is a showcase of top basketball talent and a summer hub for fast-paced, high-energy fan excitement. Interact with us on social media Instagram: ottawablackjacks X: Ott_BlackJacks Facebook: OttawaBlackJacks TikTok: ottawablackjacks For further information, please contact: Alex Forbes Brand and Creative Manager Ottawa BlackJacks Professional Basketball Club aforbes@theblackjacks.ca

The Ottawa BlackJacks of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced today that the team has signed Center Drew Cisse for the 2026 season. The 6 '11 center originally from San Diego California, will come to Ottawa after playing the last season with the Delaware Blue Coats, the G-League affiliate of the Philadelphia 76ers. Head Coach Justin Mazzulla, has stated he is excited to have Cisse playing in BlackJacks Nation. “Drew ‘The Stopper’ Cisse is a true definition of fast, fearless, and fun. He has such a great impact on the game due to his physicality and aggressiveness on both sides of the ball,” said Mazzulla. In the 2025-26 G-League season, Cisse averaged 5.6 points and 8 rebounds. Cisse started his career with the San Diego Clippers, the G-League affiliate of the Los Angeles Clippers. After averaging 2.9 points and 5.3 rebounds, during the 2024-25 season, before he was acquired by the Blue Coats. Before his professional career, Cisse played at Western Illinois in his senior season, where he averaged 8.48 points and 11 rebounds. Before that he played at Missouri-St. Louis in his junior season, where he averaged 5.17 points and 6.55 rebounds. In his senior season with Missouri St.Louis he achieved many accolades including OVC Defensive Player of the Year, All-OVC First team and NABC All-District Second Team. Born on January 10, 2001, the 25-year-old played his high school years at Rancho Bernardo High School. Single tickets are currently available to purchase by visiting theblackjacks.ca/tickets . BlackJacks 2026 season-seat memberships are available now. For additional details, fans are encouraged to email ticketing@theblackjacks.ca or call 613-294-1133.

The Ottawa BlackJacks of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced today that the team has signed forward Cyril Martynov for the 2026 season. The 7-foot forward from Barrie, Ontario joins Ottawa following a collegiate career in NCAA Division I, most recently competing with Fairleigh Dickinson University. During the 2024-25 season, Martynov appeared in 31 games for the Knights, continuing to develop his game while providing size in the frontcourt. Ottawa BlackJacks head coach Justin Mazzulla sees Martynov as a strong addition to the team’s roster. “Cyril Martynov is a young and talented Canadian player, which makes him special to our program. He takes pride in representing his country and is willing to impact the game on both sides of the ball. He is hungry and wants to win. He has a great feel for the offensive side of the game and understands how to play. His size and athleticism allow us to play in a variety of ways and he is going to be a great fit,” said Mazzulla. Prior to Fairleigh Dickinson, Martynov competed at Eastern Kentucky University during the 2023-24 season, where he appeared in 30 games for the Colonels. Martynov has also been involved with the Canada Basketball program during his development.  Born January 10, 2003, Martynov developed through the Canadian basketball system and has continued to progress at the NCAA Division I level. The BlackJacks will open their 2026 season in May at TD Place. Single tickets are currently available to purchase by visiting theblackjacks.ca/tickets . BlackJacks 2026 season-seat memberships are available now. For additional details, fans are encouraged to email ticketing@theblackjacks.ca or call 613-294-1133.