Three MMBRA Official Are Moving Up For 2026-27

The 2026–27 season will mark another step forward for three MMBRA officials, with Chanez Saheb and Shaun Pearce earning promotions to the U SPORTS panel and Saman Jalali continuing his progression through the CCAA ranks.

All three officials have been part of the MMBRA development pathway and were selected to attend the CPA Elite Camp this summer, continuing to build their experience alongside some of the country's top officials.

For Chanez and Shaun, the upcoming season will mark their first at the U SPORTS level. At 27 and 21 years old respectively, the pair will also form the youngest duo on the U SPORTS panel this season.

Chanez Saheb — U SPORTS

For Chanez, the promotion to U SPORTS caps a rapid progression through the college ranks.

Entering her sixth season with MMBRA, Chanez spent two seasons on the CCAA panel after earning her promotion ahead of the 2024–25 season. Since then, she has continued to establish herself as one of MMBRA's emerging officials at the provincial level.

Her 2025–26 season included a major postseason opportunity at the College Division 2 Men's Basketball Provincial Championship, where she was selected to officiate the bronze medal game as Crew Chief.

That experience provided another important milestone in her development. Now, Chanez is ready to take the next step onto the U SPORTS stage.

Following the announcement of her promotion, Chanez shared her gratitude for the opportunity and the people who have helped her along the way.

Grateful to have earned my place on the U SPORTS panel. 🏀🤍 Alhamdulillah for every opportunity, every challenge, and every person who has poured into my journey.

Chanez also recognized the continued guidance and support of her mentors, Canada Basketball and the CPA.

Her promotion represents not only another step in her own officiating journey, but also an opportunity to continue representing women in officiating.

Proud to represent women in officiating and committed to leaving the game better than I found it.

Chanez will begin her first U SPORTS season in October.

Shaun Pearce — U SPORTS

At 21 years old, Shaun will enter his fifth season with MMBRA and his first on the U SPORTS panel.

Shaun earned his promotion to the CCAA panel ahead of the 2025–26 season, spending one season at the college level before making the jump to U SPORTS.

His first CCAA season ended with one of the biggest assignments of his young officiating career. At the College Division 2 Men's Basketball Provincial Championship, Shaun was selected as Crew Chief for the gold medal game.

The assignment capped a strong season of development and provided another important step toward the next level.

Shaun also added national-level experience to his résumé this summer, representing MMBRA at the Canada Basketball Nationals in Sherbrooke, where he officiated at the U17 Women's National Championship.

That combination of provincial postseason experience and national competition now leads into his first U SPORTS season.

Shaun will officially begin his U SPORTS campaign on Thursday, September 17, when he takes the court at Concordia for a men's preseason game.

Saman Jalali — CCAA

Saman's progression has been a longer-term example of development within MMBRA.

Saman joined MMBRA in 2019 and has continued to work his way through the officiating ranks. He earned his promotion to the RSEQ College Division 2 panel during the 2023–24 season, establishing himself at the college level.

The upcoming season brings another opportunity for Saman to continue building on that experience and progressing through the CCAA pathway.

Like Chanez and Shaun, Saman was also selected to attend the CPA Elite Camp this summer, providing another opportunity to develop alongside officials from across the country.

The Next Step

The promotions of Chanez, Shaun and Saman are another reflection of the continued development of MMBRA officials across the provincial, collegiate and national officiating landscape.

For Chanez and Shaun, September and October will bring the start of a new chapter at the U SPORTS level. Their promotions also represent a notable milestone for MMBRA, with the two youngest members of the U SPORTS panel beginning their journeys together.

For Saman, the upcoming season represents another step in a progression that began when he joined MMBRA in 2019.

Three officials. Three different paths. One common goal: continuing to improve and moving the game forward.

The 2026–27 season is just getting started.