We’re seeing changes in the CPL ownership groups, as the league takes over operations of FC Edmonton and Hamilton Sports Group (HSG) is created to manage Forge FC, Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Tim Hortons Field.
The transfer of ownership from the Fath family to the league is seen as a way to transition the team to a new ownership group. Tom and Dave Fath had owned and run Edmonton FC since 2010, first as part of NASL and later relaunching in the CPL.
Tom Fath will remain with FC Edmonton as a strategic advisor throughout the process while Alan Koch will remain as the head coach and work closely with the CPL football operations department to build a competitive roster for the 2022 season.
“No group has done more for soccer in Edmonton than the Fath family. Their work to give local players a pathway and a purpose in many ways inspired the creation of the Canadian Premier League,” said David Clanachan, Canadian Premier League Commissioner, via press release. “The League thanks Tom and Dave for their unwavering commitment and contributions to the growth of the professional game and to the growth of Canada as a soccer nation.”
In Hamilton, Hamilton Sports Group (HSG) will manage the CPL and CFL teams as well as the 23,000-set venue. The existing ownership group will retain majority ownership and continue to manage the teams. Bob Young will remain as the Chair and largest single shareholder of Hamilton Sports Group.
The expanded ownership includes Hamilton-based Stelco along with senior sports executives Scott Mitchell (current CEO for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Forge FC) and Jim Lawson (CEO of Woodbine Entertainment). Mitchell becomes Managing Partner and CEO of Hamilton Sports Group and lead league governor for both the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Forge FC. Mitchell has been with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats since 2008 when he was appointed President and has served as the CEO of Bob Young Group of Canadian Companies since 2015. Mitchell, along with Bob Young, is also a co-founder of the Canadian Premier League (CPL) and its commercial partner, Canada Soccer Business (CSB).
Tim Hortons Field will host an upcoming FIFA World Cup qualification match between Canada and the United States. Other notable events scheduled at Tim Hortons Field include the Buffalo Sabres hosting the Toronto Maple Leafs in the NHL’s 2022 Heritage Classic in March, and the 110th Grey Cup, which will be hosted by the Tiger-Cats in 2023.
Photos courtesy Edmonton FC.