KW Titans
The KW Titans are a professional men's basketball team based in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, competing in the Basketball Super League (BSL). Founded in 2016 as an expansion franchise in the National Basketball League of Canada (NBL Canada), the team plays its home games at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium[1] and is recognized as Canada's first not-for-profit professional basketball organization.[2][3] The Titans were established by an ownership group including Ball Construction, Jeff Berg, and Brian Foster, with the goal of bringing professional basketball to the Kitchener-Waterloo region and reviving the local "Titans" moniker from the historic Tri-City Titans senior team.[2][4] In 2022, the team was acquired by David and Kate Schooley, who restructured it as a not-for-profit entity in 2023 and transitioned it to the newly formed BSL, emphasizing community reinvestment over profits.[2] Throughout their NBL Canada tenure from 2016 to 2023, the Titans achieved milestones such as a franchise-record 19 regular-season wins and their first playoff series victory in the 2018–19 season under head coach Cavell Johnson.[5] Since joining the BSL, the Titans secured the top seed in the league's inaugural 2023–24 season, featuring a diverse roster of players from NCAA Division I programs and international talent across North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia.[2] In November 2025, the team unveiled a rebranded identity with a new logo and black-and-orange color scheme.[6] The organization supports over 75 community initiatives annually and operates the Titans Skills Academy to develop youth basketball skills through programs led by professional players and coaches.[2] As of the 2025–26 season, Cliff Clinkscales serves as head coach, guiding the team in its ongoing commitment to high-level competition and regional engagement.[7]Franchise overview
Founding and early development
The Kitchener-Waterloo Titans Basketball Club was founded in 2016 by Ball Construction along with local entrepreneurs Leon Martin, Jeff Berg, and Brian Foster, with the aim of establishing a professional basketball franchise to serve the Waterloo Region community.[8] The ownership group secured approval from the National Basketball League of Canada (NBL Canada) in June 2016, marking the addition of an expansion team to the league.[9] This initiative sought to bring high-level professional basketball to the area, filling a gap in local sports entertainment and fostering regional pride.[10] The team entered the NBL Canada for the 2016–17 inaugural season, with operations ramping up quickly to meet the league's timeline.[11] Initial branding efforts included a public naming contest that received over 500 entries, culminating in the announcement of "KW Titans" on July 28, 2016, to reflect strength and community resilience.[10] The team adopted blue and white as its primary colors for the debut season, drawing inspiration from local academic and athletic traditions.[12] These elements were designed to create an accessible and relatable identity, emphasizing family-friendly entertainment at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium. The Titans played their first game on December 26, 2016, hosting the Orangeville A's and falling 105–110 in a competitive matchup that drew strong local attendance.[11] From the outset, the franchise prioritized community engagement to build a loyal fanbase, incorporating public input in branding decisions and partnering with local organizations for youth outreach programs.[2] These early steps, including school visits and charity tie-ins, helped cultivate grassroots support and positioned the Titans as a community-driven entity in the Waterloo Region.[4]Ownership and management
The KW Titans were founded in 2016 by an ownership group led by Ball Construction as the majority shareholder, alongside local entrepreneurs Jeff Berg, Brian Foster, and Leon Martin, with Innosoft Canada Inc. as a minority partner.[2][13] Frank Schneider, chief financial officer of Ball Construction, served as the initial team president, overseeing administrative operations during the franchise's early years. Stu Julius was appointed as the team's first general manager in 2016, handling player personnel and league relations.[14] In 2022, the franchise underwent a significant ownership transition when real estate brokers David and Kate Schooley acquired a controlling 50% stake, with the remaining 50% held by a community-based not-for-profit entity.[15][13] Leon Martin, a founding owner, stepped down to facilitate the change, praising the Schooleys' vision for long-term sustainability. David Schooley assumed the role of chief executive officer, focusing on strategic growth, while Kate Schooley contributed to community outreach efforts. By 2023, the team achieved full not-for-profit status, marking it as Canada's first professional basketball franchise in this structure, with all profits earmarked for reinvestment in local youth sports.[3] The ownership's long-term goal is to transition to 100% community ownership within a decade, modeled after entities like the Green Bay Packers.[15] Administrative leadership evolved with key hires to support the not-for-profit model. Mel Kobe joined as vice president of basketball operations and general manager around 2021, managing day-to-day operations, player development, and league compliance.[16] Leon Martin briefly served as president from 2018 to 2019 before the ownership shift. Under the Schooleys, the structure emphasized community integration, with hires in business development and partnerships to expand outreach.[17] The Schooley ownership has influenced team strategy by prioritizing community programs over profit maximization. Profits fund initiatives like the Titans Skills Academy, a youth training program led by professional players and coaches at YMCA locations across Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, and Stratford.[3] The team partners with over 75 local organizations annually, featuring charities at home games and launching efforts such as the Five-City Food Bank Challenge to address regional needs. In 2024, the ownership expanded into a multi-sport entity by partnering with the Hirani family to form Waterloo Region Sports and Entertainment, co-owning the Kitchener Panthers baseball team and enabling shared administrative resources for enhanced community engagement.[18]Arena and home facilities
The Kitchener Memorial Auditorium, commonly known as The Aud, serves as the primary home venue for the KW Titans, located at 400 East Avenue in Kitchener, Ontario. This multi-purpose facility, owned and operated by the City of Kitchener, features a regulation-size basketball court measuring 94 feet by 50 feet, configured within the main Dom Cardillo Arena space. The arena accommodates up to 2,951 spectators for basketball games, including accessible seating in the corners of the stands behind plexiglass barriers for safety. Seating arrangements include standard bleachers, 26 luxury suites, and premium options such as courtside bistro tables and party boxes with enclosed bench seating for groups of up to 25.[19][20][21] Originally constructed in 1951 as a hockey-focused venue and home to the Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League since its opening, The Aud expanded its use to professional basketball with the arrival of the KW Titans in 2016, marking the first such team in the Waterloo Region. Renovations in 2012 added nearly 1,000 seats, a third-level concourse, and upgraded media facilities, enhancing the arena's suitability for diverse sports events including basketball. More recent upgrades completed in September 2025 included improved player locker rooms, training spaces, and the conversion of a lounge into a 120-seat restaurant to better support team operations and fan amenities.[22][23][5] Fan amenities at The Aud emphasize convenience and accessibility, with over 1,700 on-site parking spaces across seven lots—some free and others paid or reserved for carpooling—and options for street parking per city regulations. Concessions offer standard food and beverage services, though outside items are restricted to sealed water bottles up to 500 ml and small snacks, with no re-entry permitted during games; bags larger than 8" x 10" are prohibited, and all are subject to screening. The fan experience is enhanced by family-friendly elements like add-on packages for courtside visits and halftime entertainment, contributing to an energetic atmosphere despite average home attendance hovering around 1,000 to 1,200 per game. The venue's record crowd for a Titans game was 2,768, set during the 2017 home opener.[24][1][25][26]History
Inception and NBL Canada entry (2016–2019)
The KW Titans entered the National Basketball League of Canada (NBL Canada) for the 2016–17 season as an expansion franchise representing the Kitchener-Waterloo region, with initial roster construction emphasizing a mix of Canadian talent and international experience to build a competitive foundation.[27] Key early signings included guard Jason Calliste, who earned All-Rookie Team honors after averaging significant minutes in his debut professional season, forward Flenard Whitfield as the team's leading scorer at 19.0 points per game, and big men like Adam Blazek and A.J. Davis for frontcourt depth.[28][29] The Titans opened their inaugural campaign with a narrow 110–105 home loss to the Orangeville A's on November 4, 2016, but secured their first victory shortly after, defeating the Niagara River Lions 120–105 on December 27 in a road game that highlighted their offensive potential.[11] Throughout the 2016–17 regular season, the Titans navigated early inconsistencies, posting a mid-table finish with an 18–22 record and third place in the Central Division, which earned them a playoff berth despite a challenging schedule against established rivals.[30] In the postseason, they faced divisional foe Windsor Express in the first round and were swept 3–0, with close contests including a 105–104 overtime loss in Game 3 that underscored defensive vulnerabilities.[27] These matchups began fostering early rivalries within the Central Division, particularly with the Windsor Express due to geographic proximity and competitive intensity, as well as the Orangeville A's through multiple heated encounters that drew local attention.[11] The 2017–18 season brought significant challenges, as the Titans struggled with roster turnover and injuries, finishing with a league-worst 8–32 record and last place overall in the NBL Canada standings.[30] Mid-season adjustments included the release of head coach Serge Langis after a 5–22 start on February 25, 2018, with former player Cavell Johnson stepping in as interim to stabilize the team, though no major trades or draft picks notably altered the trajectory during this rebuilding year.[30] Despite the on-court difficulties, the franchise deepened community ties as a locally owned entity, hosting youth clinics and partnering with regional organizations to promote basketball accessibility, which helped lay groundwork for fan engagement in Waterloo Region.[8] In 2018–19, the Titans showed marked improvement under continued management adjustments, compiling a 24–27 record to secure fourth place in the Central Division and a return to the playoffs.[30] Notable games included a thrilling 125–121 overtime victory over the Windsor Express on March 22, reinforcing the budding rivalry, and a strong home performance against the St. John's Edge in the division semifinals, where they claimed their first playoff series win with a 2–1 lead after a 103–96 victory in Game 3 on April 26, 2019.[31][32] Off the court, attendance and ticket sales saw steady growth, driven by affordable family packages and community events that integrated the team into local culture, averaging over 2,000 fans per home game by season's end and boosting economic impact in the region.[33]Challenges and growth during COVID-19 (2019–2023)
The 2019–20 NBL Canada season for the KW Titans was significantly disrupted by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The league suspended all games on March 12, 2020, amid growing public health concerns, leaving the Titans with a record of 9–16 after 25 games.[34][35] On April 1, 2020, the NBL Canada board of governors unanimously voted to cancel the remainder of the regular season and playoffs, marking the first full interruption in the league's history due to the pandemic.[36] This abrupt end prevented the Titans from contending in the postseason, despite a mid-season push that saw them competitive in the Central Division. The 2020–21 season faced even greater challenges, with the entire campaign ultimately cancelled due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions. Initially planned for a December 2020 start, the schedule was postponed to March 2021 to allow for enhanced safety measures, including reduced game counts and limited spectator attendance.[37] However, on March 5, 2021—just one week before the planned resumption—the league's board cancelled the season entirely, citing persistent health risks and logistical hurdles across Canadian provinces.[38][39] During this suspension, the Titans shifted focus to behind-the-scenes operations, including player scouting, virtual training sessions for staff, and community outreach to maintain fan connections amid the uncertainty. Basketball resumed for the 2021–22 season, representing a pivotal moment of recovery for the Titans and the league. The team achieved its strongest performance to date, finishing the regular season with a 10–15 record in a shortened 25-game schedule but advancing deep into the playoffs.[40] They upset higher-seeded opponents to reach the NBLC Finals, where they fell to the dominant London Lightning in a best-of-seven series, with the Lightning clinching the championship in Game 5 by a score of 97–96.[41] This run highlighted the team's resilience, bolstered by standout individual contributions; guard Joel Kindred earned league MVP honors for his scoring prowess, averaging 21.9 points per game, while center Ty Walker was named Defensive Player of the Year, and rookie Shakwon Barrett took Rookie of the Year accolades.[42][43] The return to play incorporated strict health protocols, such as daily COVID-19 testing, enhanced facility sanitization, and capacity-limited crowds at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium, allowing for cautious fan re-engagement through in-person attendance and live streams.[44] The 2022–23 season marked the Titans' final year in the NBL Canada, amid league instability that foreshadowed its dissolution. The team compiled a 10–14 regular-season record over 24 games, securing a playoff spot but exiting in the division semifinals against the London Lightning.[45] Individual highlights included strong performances from key players, with forward Jalen Hayes leading the scoring attack and earning All-NBL recognition for his versatility.[46] Operations continued under rigorous health protocols, including mandatory vaccinations for players and staff, contact tracing, and hybrid virtual-physical training camps to mitigate risks.[47] To rebuild fan momentum post-pandemic, the Titans hosted virtual Q&A sessions with players and community webinars, alongside promotional ticket packages for returning crowds, fostering renewed engagement in Waterloo Region.[48]Move to Basketball Super League (2023–present)
In April 2023, the KW Titans announced their departure from the National Basketball League of Canada (NBL Canada) to join the newly formed Basketball Super League (BSL), a merger of the NBL Canada and The Basketball League aimed at expanding opportunities for smaller-market teams by increasing the number of opponents and games against U.S. squads.[49][50] This move allowed the Titans to compete in a broader 40-game regular season format, up from the more limited NBL Canada schedule, fostering greater regional and cross-border rivalries.[51] During the 2023–24 inaugural BSL season, the Titans adapted quickly to the league's structure, posting a 23–10 regular-season record that positioned them as a top contender in the Canadian division. They advanced through the playoffs with a 4–3 record to reach the finals, where they faced the London Lightning, ultimately falling in a four-game series marked by competitive scoring battles, including a narrow 117–112 loss in Game 4.[52] This runner-up finish highlighted the team's resilience in the new environment, with strong defensive play and home-court advantages contributing to their postseason success.[53] The 2024–25 season saw continued progress, as the Titans achieved an 18–10 regular-season mark, securing another playoff berth and advancing to the semifinals against the Windsor Express. They were eliminated in the best-of-five series, losing 2–3 overall.[54] Ongoing challenges included integrating new talent amid roster turnover and maintaining consistency against expanded U.S. competition, but the season solidified their status as a BSL powerhouse.[55] In October 2025, the Titans teased an upcoming rebrand ahead of the 2025–26 season, which was officially unveiled on November 7 with updated colors, a refreshed logo, and enhanced fan engagement initiatives like new ticket packages to boost community involvement.[56][57] As of November 2025, the 2025–26 campaign has yet to begin, with the schedule set to kick off on December 27 against the Windsor Express, but early preparations include an open tryout and the return of head coach Cliff Clinkscales for his third straight season.[58][59] Looking ahead, the Titans' integration into the BSL positions them for potential league expansion, with the organization emphasizing not-for-profit operations to deepen community ties and support regional sports growth, including a December 2024 partnership with the Kitchener Panthers for shared ownership.[3][18] The BSL's third season will feature a draft combine on November 21–22, signaling broader talent development and competitive elevation across North America.[60]Seasons and performance
Regular season records
The KW Titans have competed in eight regular seasons since their inception, transitioning from the National Basketball League of Canada (NBL Canada) to the Basketball Super League (BSL) in 2023. Their performance has varied, with early struggles giving way to more competitive showings in recent years, particularly after the league change.[29][61]| Season | League | Wins–Losses | Win % | Division/Overall Standing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016–17 | NBL Canada | 18–22 | .450 | 3rd (Central Division) |
| 2017–18 | NBL Canada | 8–32 | .200 | 5th (Central Division) |
| 2018–19 | NBL Canada | 19–21 | .475 | 4th (Central Division) |
| 2019–20 | NBL Canada | 9–17 | .346 | 4th (Central Division) |
| 2021–22 | NBL Canada | 10–15 | .400 | 2nd (Central Division) |
| 2022–23 | NBL Canada | 8–17 | .320 | 4th (Central Division) |
| 2023–24 | BSL | 26–13 | .667 | 1st (Overall) |
| 2024–25 | BSL | 21–13 | .618 | 3rd (Overall) |
Playoff appearances and results
The KW Titans first qualified for the playoffs in their inaugural 2018–19 NBL Canada season, defeating the London Lightning 3–2 in the Central Division semifinals before falling 1–4 to the St. John's Edge in the division finals.[64][65] A memorable moment came in Game 5 of the semifinals, where the Titans rallied for a 109–93 road victory to secure their first-ever postseason series win.[64] The 2019–20 and 2020–21 seasons were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, delaying further playoff opportunities. The Titans returned to the postseason in 2021–22, advancing through the Central Division semifinals with a 3–1 victory over the Windsor Express, followed by a 3–1 win against the Sudbury Five in the conference semifinals.[41] They reached their first league finals but were swept 0–3 by the London Lightning, with the decisive Game 3 ending in a 97–96 heartbreaker.[66][67] In the 2022–23 NBL Canada season, the Titans qualified again but lost 1–3 to the London Lightning in the conference semifinals, highlighted by a narrow 95–90 home win in Game 3 that extended the series.[68] Following the league's transition to the Basketball Super League in 2023, the playoff format retained a best-of-five structure for semifinals and finals, similar to the NBL's division-based early rounds but with a more streamlined conference elimination.[60] In 2023–24, the Titans swept the Windsor Express 2–0 in the semifinals before dropping the BSL finals 1–3 to the London Lightning, including a strong 106–111 effort in Game 3.[69][52] In 2024–25, the Titans advanced past the quarterfinals with a win over the Pontiac Pharaohs before falling 2–3 to the Windsor Express in the semifinals.[70]| Season | League | Round | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018–19 | NBL Canada | Division Semifinals | London Lightning | Won 3–2 |
| 2018–19 | NBL Canada | Division Finals | St. John's Edge | Lost 1–4 |
| 2021–22 | NBL Canada | Division Semifinals | Windsor Express | Won 3–1 |
| 2021–22 | NBL Canada | Conference Semifinals | Sudbury Five | Won 3–1 |
| 2021–22 | NBL Canada | Finals | London Lightning | Lost 0–3 |
| 2022–23 | NBL Canada | Conference Semifinals | London Lightning | Lost 1–3 |
| 2023–24 | BSL | Semifinals | Windsor Express | Won 2–0 |
| 2023–24 | BSL | Finals | London Lightning | Lost 1–3 |
| 2024–25 | BSL | Quarterfinals | Pontiac Pharaohs | Won |
| 2024–25 | BSL | Semifinals | Windsor Express | Lost 2–3 |
Team personnel
Coaching staff
The current head coach of the KW Titans is Cliff Clinkscales, who was appointed on December 13, 2022, succeeding Neal Foreman midway through the 2022–23 season.[71] A former professional point guard known as "The General" for his leadership on the court, Clinkscales emphasizes disciplined defense, fast-paced offense, and player empowerment in his coaching philosophy, drawing from his 14-year playing career across leagues including the NBL Canada and G League.[7] Under his guidance, the Titans posted a 26–13 regular-season record in the 2023–24 Basketball Super League campaign, marking the franchise's best winning percentage to date and securing a finals appearance.[63] Clinkscales returned for his third full season in 2025–26, continuing to integrate strategic adjustments amid the league transition.[7] The assistant coaching staff supports Clinkscales with specialized roles in player development and game preparation. James Robinson serves as lead assistant coach since the 2023–24 season, bringing expertise in offensive schemes from his prior roles in Canadian professional basketball; he contributes to scouting and in-game adjustments.[17] Mike Quigley, an assistant since 2022–23, focuses on defensive strategies and has a background in youth coaching in Ontario.[17] Suleiman Sualim rounds out the core assistants, aiding in video analysis and conditioning with experience from international playing stints.[17] In December 2024, James Siakam joined as coach of individual player development, leveraging his NBA G League experience and family ties to professional basketball to enhance skill-specific training for the roster.[72] Notable past head coaches have shaped the Titans' early identity and resilience. Serge Langis held the position from the team's 2016 inception through early 2018, guiding the inaugural squad to an 18–22 record in 2016–17 while establishing foundational team culture in the NBL Canada; he was released after a 5–15 start to the 2017–18 season.[73] Cavell Johnson, a former Titans player, took over in February 2018 and led through the 2019–20 season (shortened by COVID-19), posting a 13–13 mark in 2018–19 and emphasizing global recruitment with his international playing background in Europe and Asia.[74] Neal Foreman was hired in November 2021 as head coach and director of player personnel for the 2021–22 season, focusing on rebuilding post-pandemic with a 12–10 record before transitioning to Clinkscales; his tenure aligned with operational stabilization.[75] Hiring decisions for head coaches have often coincided with ownership shifts, reflecting strategic realignments. The 2022 appointment of Clinkscales followed the purchase of the team by David and Kate Schooley, who prioritized a coach with NBL Canada ties to foster community integration and competitive turnaround.[76] Earlier transitions, such as Johnson's promotion from player to coach in 2018, stemmed from internal evaluations amid performance reviews under original ownership.[77]Current roster
As of November 17, 2025, the KW Titans are in the pre-season phase for the 2025-26 Basketball Super League season, with the roster still under construction ahead of an open tryout scheduled for December 6, 2025. The team aims to field a 14-player active roster of guards, forwards, and centers, drawing from returning players, free agent signings, and tryout participants to build on the previous season's 21-13 record. Head coach Cliff Clinkscales, returning for his third year, is overseeing the process to create a balanced lineup emphasizing local talent and international experience.[78][7][55][79] No new signings have been announced as of this date, but the team has indicated plans to retain familiar faces from the 2024-25 season alongside new additions. One recent acquisition is Joel Kindred, a 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) shooting guard from the United States, who signed with the Titans in March 2025 after playing for the London Lightning. Kindred brings veteran experience from multiple professional leagues, including stints in the Canadian Elite Basketball League.[42] The 2024-25 roster, which served as the basis for the upcoming season's core, featured a mix of American and Canadian players with diverse backgrounds in college and professional basketball. Standout players included Jaquan Lightfoot, a 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) forward from the United States who provided rebounding and interior defense after playing at Trinity Valley Community College; and Dee Barnes, a 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) shooting guard from the United States, who emerged as a key perimeter scorer following his undrafted entry from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.[80][81]| No. | Player | Position | Height | Nationality | Acquired |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | Sam Akano | F | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) | United States | 2023 |
| - | Marcus Anderson | PG | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | United States | 2024 |
| - | Dee Barnes | SG | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) | United States | 2023 |
| - | Devon Baulkman | PG | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) | United States | 2024 |
| - | DJ Jones | PF | 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) | United States | 2024 |
| - | Joel Kindred | SG | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) | United States | 2025 |
| - | Anthony Lee Jr. | F | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) | United States | 2024 |
| - | Jaquan Lightfoot | F | 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) | United States | 2023 |
| - | Marque Maultsby | SF | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | United States | 2024 |
| - | Antoine Mason | G | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | United States | 2024 |
| - | Dom Welch | G | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | United States | 2024 |
| - | D’Andre Johnson | C | 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) | United States | 2024 |
| - | Victor Lewis | SG | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) | United States | 2024 |