What Calgary Surge does

Calgary Surge is a professional basketball team competing in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), headquartered at WinSport Event Centre in Calgary, Alberta. The franchise was founded in 2017 as the Guelph Nighthawks, one of the CEBL's founding members, and relocated to Calgary in 2023 under the rebranded Calgary Surge identity, operated by REAL Entertainment & Culture Inc. (REC). The team's core offering is live professional basketball, with a 12-game home season running May through August plus neutral-site marquee games at Scotiabank Saddledome (Surge 2 Stampede), Marchant Crane Centrium in Red Deer (Surge 2 Red Deer), and VisitLethbridge.com Arena (Surge 2 Lethbridge).

The product portfolio centers on ticketed access (season memberships saving up to 40%, half-season memberships from $42/game, single-game tickets via Ticketmaster, group tickets with volume discounts scaling to 30% off at 100+), premium hospitality (courtside seats, skybox suites up to 34 guests), and a community-anchored extension suite that includes Surge ASSIST (ticket donations impacting 6,500+ kids and families via Kids Up Front), Surge City Hoops free youth clinics with the City of Calgary, Basketball Academy camps, School Day games, the Youth Sports Partnership Program, and the Home Team Tour with United Way.

The go-to-market is direct-to-consumer via the team website and Ticketmaster, complemented by group/corporate sales, a Surge Insiders email program, and social/digital marketing. Revenue mechanics span ticketing, corporate sponsorships (Zeno as 2026 Title Sponsor, Play Alberta as 2025 Presenting Sponsor, plus tier-2 partners including Sandstone Asset Management, Mayfair Radiology, Innovative Sport Medicine, MNP Centre, and Calgary Foundation), premium hospitality, camps and clinics, merchandise through the team shop, and tax-deductible ASSIST donations. The franchise is privately held with 11-50 employees and no disclosed funding rounds.

Name

Calgary Surge

Legal name

REAL Entertainment & Culture Inc.

Website

https://calgarysurge.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

2023

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Calgary Surge is a professional basketball team competing in the Canadian Elite Basketball League, serving fans, families, corporate partners, and youth sports organizations across Alberta via ticketed games, premium hospitality, youth camps, and community programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Sports Entertainment

NAICS

Sports Teams and Clubs (711211), Spectator Sports (71121), Sports and Recreation Instruction (61162)

SIC

Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997), Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)

akta.pro primary industry

Professional Live Sports Leagues & Tours (MPAGAMAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Athletics Events, Game Operations & Ticketing (EDALAIAK), Cause, Community & CSR-Linked Sports Partnerships (Foundations, Youth Programs) (MPAKALAJ), Elite Performance Training Centers (High-Performance/Pro Prep) (MPAKAJAC)

Keywords

• Professional basketball team
• Live sports entertainment
• Sports ticketing services
• Youth basketball camps
• Community sports programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Calgary

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Ticket Sales: The primary revenue stream comes from selling tickets to home games at WinSport Event Centre, including season ticket memberships (10 home games), half-season memberships (5 games), single-game tickets, group tickets (12+), and premium seating options (courtside seats, skybox suites). Additional revenue from marquee games at neutral sites like Scotiabank Saddledome, Marchant Crane Centrium in Red Deer, and VisitLethbridge.com Arena.
2. Camps and Clinics: Revenue from youth basketball camps and clinics, including PD Day School Out Skills Up camps, Surge City Hoops free clinics with paid tournament component, and exclusive access camps and clinics with priority registration.
3. Group Experiences: Revenue from group bookings including fan experiences such as anthem buddies, high-five tunnel, court of dreams, post-game meet & greets, courtside warm-ups, and concourse tables. Group discounts offered based on ticket volume (20-30% for 12+ tickets).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Calgary Surge operates a professional basketball franchise competing in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), playing a May–August season of home and away games at WinSport Event Centre in Calgary and at neutral-site venues across Alberta. The team sells live-game access through single-game tickets, season and half-season ticket memberships, group and corporate hospitality packages, and premium courtside and skybox seating. Surrounding programming includes youth basketball camps and clinics (Surge City Hoops, Basketball Academy), the Surge ASSIST ticket-donation program for vulnerable children and families, and the Surge Youth Sports Partnership Program serving schools and youth clubs.

Product overview

The Calgary Surge is a professional basketball team competing in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL). The organization's product portfolio centers on live basketball events and community engagement. Core offerings include ticket products (season ticket memberships, half-season memberships, single-game tickets, group tickets) that provide access to 10-12 annual home games at WinSport Event Centre. Premium seating options include courtside seats and skybox suites. Community programs constitute a significant portion of the portfolio, including Surge ASSIST (ticket donation program for vulnerable families), Surge City Hoops (free youth clinics), Basketball Academy camps, School Day games, Youth Sports Partnership, and Home Team Tour with United Way. The organization also operates Surge 2 branded marquee games at neutral-site venues across Alberta (Red Deer, Lethbridge, Scotiabank Saddledome). Ticket sales are managed through Ticketmaster's digital platform.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• REAL Studios: A creative and brand studio operated under REAL Entertainment & Culture Inc., the parent company of the Calgary Surge.
• Surge ASSIST
• Surge City Hoops
• Surge 2 Red Deer
• Surge 2 Lethbridge
• Surge 2 Stampede
• Home Team Tour

Products and services

• Season Ticket Memberships Full-season ticket package covering all 10 home games at WinSport Event Centre, with savings up to 40% versus single-game pricing, complimentary parking, merchandise discounts, priority seating, CEBL+ streaming subscription, and exclusive member experiences. Targeted at individual fans and families who want guaranteed seats for the entire home schedule.
• Half Season Ticket Memberships Flexible 5-game ticket package letting fans select preferred home games with consistent seating, up to 30% savings versus single-game pricing, free parking, and member-exclusive pricing on additional tickets. Targeted at fans who want season-style benefits without committing to all 10 home games.
• Single Game Tickets Individual game admission tickets for home games at WinSport Event Centre and neutral-site marquee games, purchased through Ticketmaster. Targets casual fans, first-time attendees, and out-of-town visitors wanting flexible access to specific matchups.
• Home Opener Pack Bundle of 3 games — guaranteed Home Opener plus 2 additional games of choice — priced as low as $102 ($34 per game), up to 15% off individual game pricing. Targeted at new and casual fans who want a low-commitment introduction to the team.
• Group Tickets and Experiences Group ticket packages for 12+ attendees with tiered discounts of 20% (12+), 25% (50+), and 30% (100+), plus add-on experiences such as anthem buddies, high-five tunnel access, post-game meet-and-greets, courtside warm-up viewing, free throw contests, and post-game photos. Targeted at corporate groups, schools, sports teams, and family/friend gatherings.
• Courtside Seats Premium sideline seating positioned directly adjacent to the playing floor and team bench, with complimentary parking, in-seat service, early venue access, and guaranteed access to team giveaways. Targeted at high-spend fans and corporate hospitality clients seeking proximity to the action.
• Skybox Suites and Courtside Tables Private hospitality spaces including skybox suites for up to 34 guests with full concierge service and premium food and beverage, plus intimate courtside tables on the arena floor for 4 guests. Targeted at corporate hospitality buyers, premium fans, and group entertainment clients.
• Calgary Surge Basketball Academy Camps Youth basketball camps and clinics led by Calgary Surge coaches offering priority registration, exclusive merchandise, and skills development. Includes PD Day School Out Skills Up camps and school break programs. Targeted at youth ages 8-17 and their parents.
• Surge 2 Stampede Marquee Game Single marquee regular-season game staged at Scotiabank Saddledome during Calgary Stampede week, with ticket prices starting at $44 plus fees and including full-day admission to Stampede Park. Targeted at Calgary Stampede attendees, tourists, and fans seeking a high-profile venue experience.
• Surge 2 Red Deer Marquee Game Single marquee regular-season game staged at Marchant Crane Centrium in Red Deer, Alberta, expanding the franchise's geographic reach. Targeted at central Alberta basketball fans unable to attend Calgary home games.
• Surge 2 Lethbridge Marquee Game Single marquee regular-season game staged at VisitLethbridge.com Arena in Lethbridge, Alberta — the first professional basketball game ever held in Lethbridge. Targeted at southern Alberta basketball fans and new regional audiences.
• Surge ASSIST Ticket Donation Program Charitable ticket-donation program accepting tax-deductible contributions ($25 sends one child, $250 sends 10 children; Corporate Champion Package for scaled impact) used to fund game tickets and cultural experiences for vulnerable children and families through 79+ agency partners. Targeted at philanthropic individual donors and corporate charitable champions.
• Surge Youth Sports Partnership Program Program providing youth clubs, schools, basketball clubs, and multi-sport organizations with exclusive ticket pricing, custom fundraising links, and on-court athlete experiences. Targeted at Calgary-area youth sports organizations seeking fundraising support and recognition opportunities for their athletes.
• CEBL+ Streaming Subscription Subscription streaming service streaming all CEBL games live including Calgary Surge home and away matchups. Included free with season ticket memberships; available via paid subscription for fans outside the Calgary market or unable to attend in person.

Quantifiable outcome

• 6,500+ kids and families impacted through Surge ASSIST since 2023
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• ZenocoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Official Title Sponsor of the Calgary Surge for 2026. Provides primary sponsorship visibility and brand partnership.
• Play AlbertacoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 20252025 Season Presenting Sponsor of the Calgary Surge. Major commercial sponsor with presenting rights for the season.
• Sandstone Asset ManagementminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Official Charitable & Community Partner and Lead Champion of Surge ASSIST program.
• Calgary FoundationminorOthers · 1 January 2025Official Charitable & Community Partner supporting community initiatives.
• Day1DadsminorOthers · 1 January 2025Official Charitable & Community Partner supporting fatherhood and family engagement.
• Mayfair RadiologyminorOthers · 1 January 2025Official Diagnostic Imaging Partner providing health and wellness support.
• Innovative Sport MedicineminorOthers · 1 January 2025Official Medical Team Partner providing sports medicine services.
• MNP CentreminorOthers · 1 January 2025Official Training Camp & Practice Facility Provider.
• Calgary StampedecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Collaborative partner for Surge 2 Stampede event at Scotiabank Saddledome during Calgary Stampede week. Game tickets include admission to Stampede Park.
• City of CalgarycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Partnership with Downtown Strategy team for Surge City Hoops free youth basketball clinics and 3-on-3 tournament at Century Gardens Basketball Courts.
• United Way of Calgary and AreacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Home Team Tour partnership bringing the Surge across all four quadrants of Calgary to visit communities, inspire hope, and support access to vital resources from basic needs to mental health support.
• Kids Up FrontcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Partnership to operate Surge ASSIST program, providing tickets for vulnerable children and families to attend games and access sports, arts, and cultural activities. Since 2023, has impacted over 6,500 kids and families with support from 79+ agency partners.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Calgary Stampeders: Established CFL franchise in the same Calgary market. Competes with the Surge for corporate sponsorship, premium hospitality spend, and overall Calgary sports entertainment share of wallet.

Regional players

• Calgary Roughnecks: NLL lacrosse franchise also based at venues in the Calgary region. Comparable mid-market professional sports team competing for spring/summer indoor sports entertainment dollars in the same geography.

Direct peers

• Saskatchewan Rattlers: CEBL Western Conference franchise. Comparable professional basketball operations model, single-venue home schedule, and Western Conference playoff competitor.
• Vancouver Bandits: CEBL Western Conference opponent and marquee-game competitor (e.g., Surge 2 Stampede matchup). Direct league comparable on fan engagement and attendance.
• Niagara River Lions: CEBL franchise with comparable front-office scale, single-arena home schedule, and championship-contender operations.
• Scarborough Shooting Stars: CEBL franchise competing directly in the same league. Same revenue model, season length, and operational structure; useful comparable for ticket pricing and sponsorship benchmarks.
• Winnipeg Sea Bears: CEBL franchise and direct league peer; comparable community programs, group ticketing, and youth outreach initiatives.
• Montreal Alliance: CEBL franchise and recurring opponent (e.g., Surge 2 Lethbridge matchup). Useful comparable for French-bilingual market operations and CEBL+ streaming engagement.
• Brampton Honey Badgers: CEBL franchise operating with similar ticket, sponsorship, and community programming mix in the Ontario market.
• Edmonton Stingers: Fellow CEBL franchise and primary regional rival in the Battle of Alberta. Direct competitor for Alberta sports fans, sponsorship dollars, and CEBL Championship Weekend positioning.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/calgarysurge
• Facebookfacebook.com/calgarysurge
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/calgarysurge

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Calgary Surge