The Tseshaht Lightning Basketball Tournament returns to Port Alberni for its third annual edition from May 15 to May 18, 2026. Games will take place across six gymnasiums, with the Alberni Athletic Association courts hosting the semi-finals and finals.
This year, the tournament features 76 teams competing in seven divisions, ranging from U10 exhibition games to master’s men and senior men and women brackets. About 80 per cent of the teams are Nuu-chah-nulth, representing coastal communities such as Ahousaht, Hesquiaht, Tla-o-qui-aht, Toquaht, Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ, Ehattesaht, Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’, Mowachaht/Muchalaht, and Nuchatlaht.
Tournament organizer Nasimius (Ed) Ross chose to move forward with this year’s event to honour the memory of his brother, Yemchiss, who passed away in March 2026. Ross said he considers the tournament a way to celebrate a positive legacy and foster connection through sport.
In addition to the basketball action, a ticketed 19+ music night called ḥačatak is set for May 16, 2026, at The KCC. The event is presented in partnership with Five Acre Co. and will feature performances by Handsome Tiger, DJ Kookum, and DJ DBL-G.
On the court, competition remains fierce as teams look to unseat defending champions. A veteran men’s team from Ahousaht, coached by Tom Campbell, has won the tournament for the past two consecutive years and is currently competing for a third straight title.
