When the final buzzer sounded last month in Winnipeg Manitoba, at Canadian Elite Basketball League Championship Weekend, history was made.
Not only did the Niagara River Lions repeat as league champions, but Michelle Biskup became the first female President in league history to win a championship.
“Winning for a second time is special, but winning as president is even more special,” said Biskup who has been with the River Lions, in various roles, since their first year in existence back in 2015.
“It’s been a labour of love for the past year, there’s been ups and downs, changes on the business side, some struggles, nothing comes easy, but then on the basketball side we went on a seven-game win streak followed by a five game losing streak, but to hold that trophy up at the end it feels amazing.”
As for making history as the first female President to win a CEBL Championship, Biskup offered this:
“To have that kind of stamp on history in the league’s early years, it’s almost like a pinch me moment that I get to be the example or be a role model for someone else as they grow in the sports industry. It was an amazing feeling, and I really have to thank our owners for trusting in me and giving me this position last year and allowing me to excel in it and lead this championship organization.”
Niagara topped Calgary 79-73 to win this year’s championship.
Biskup knows improving the product off the floor never stops, and plans for the 2026 River Lions season are already underway.
“We’re actually in the works of setting up our own foundation that will allow us to give back to the Niagara community in various ways – whether it be refurbishing courts, or donating equipment, or allowing kids more access to our games – we can’t wait to see where the off-season brings us.
Every year we try to do it bigger and better.”
And as Niagara looks to three-peat next year, Michelle Biskup continues to make her mark on sports not only locally, but also nationally as the CEBL continues to grow and prosper.
For more information on the River Lions, visit riverlions.ca, and for more information on the Canadian Elite Basketball League, visit cebl.ca
Rod Mawhood is a lifelong Niagara native who has had the pleasure of working in all three mediums – Radio, Print and TV – for over 20 years. His first announcing gig was with the then St. Catharines Stompers. Since then he’s worked in radio and TV in Toronto, and currently is the announcer for the Niagara IceDogs and Niagara River Lions.
Rod also covers the Buffalo Bills for FOX Sports and the Buffalo Sabres for NBC Sports.
