The Niagara River Lions announced 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 15.3 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game in 21 contests
“We are ecstatic about Khalil being back for season five. 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.
And while the team announced the re-signing of Ahmad, they also released their theme game nights – as follows:
Friday June 5th is Heroes Night
Saturday June 13th is Youth Sports Night
Saturday July 4th Caribbean & Trinidadian Culture Night
Saturday July 18th – Christmas in July
Sunday July 26th – Fan Appreciation Night
For more information, visit riverlions.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.
