Varsity Athletics | 10/23/2026 2:00:00 PM

The York Lions Men's Basketball team will open their 2026-27 season this weekend at the Tait McKenzie Centre. York will have a double-header this weekend to get into the swing of things. 

The Lions are looking to improve on last season as they start the new season. This weekend, they'll face the Toronto Varsity Blues and Nipissing Lakers. Last year did not fare so well for the Lions when they faced these opponents, as they lost both games last season, one to Nipissing and one to Toronto. 

The Lions have looked like a force to be reckoned with so far throughout their pre-season exhibitions. York won their last three pre-season games, including two wins against future opponents later this season to build some positive momentum before their opening game. 

Starting off on the right foot will be key for the Lions as they look to make their first postseason appearance since the 2023-24 season. Conveniently also, that season was the last time the Lions won their opening game of the year, and they were able to carry that momentum to a playoff appearance. 

Firstly, the Lions will face their cross-town rivals in the Toronto Varsity Blues to open the season. Last year's match was a closely fought contest between the two sides as Toronto ended up victorious by a score of 89-80. Toronto was also a very solid squad last year, making it to the OUA Semi-final before losing to the Carleton Ravens. A win over Toronto would go a long way for the Lions to send a message coming into the 2026-27 season. 

On Saturday, the Lions will host the Nipissing Lakers in the second leg of a back-to-back. Nipissing missed the playoffs along with the Lions last season, so both teams will be looking for improvement this upcoming year by making the playoffs this time around. 

York will face Toronto in the Lions home-opener on Friday, October 23rd with tip-off scheduled for 8 PM EST. On Saturday, October 24th the Lions will host the Nipissing Lakers with tip-off also scheduled for 8:00 PM EST. Tickets for both games are available at yorkulions.ca/tickets. Both games will also be available to stream on OUA.tv.