Edmonton Elks provides statement into ongoing ownership review

Edmonton Elks
Edmonton Elks

The Edmonton Elks on Thursday provided a statement in regards to the ongoing ownership review following a report by TSN’s Dave Naylor that Park Lane, the league’s investment banker, has more than a dozen non-disclosure agreements that have already been signed.

Park Lane was heavily involved in getting the Montreal Alouettes sold to Pierre Karl Péladeau on March 10, 2023. The Elks confirmed that Club Board Chair Tom Richards and President and CEO Rick LeLacheur provided an update to the CFL’s Board of Governors regarding the club’s ownership review but details were not provided.

Last October, the Elks formed a special committee to review the ownership structure consisting of current Board members Rick LeLacheur, Tom Richards, Brent Hesje, Darryl Boessenkool, Diane Brickner, and Bruce Bentley. The committee will determine the best course of action for the future of the franchise moving forward.

Last year, 3DownNation reported that the Elks lost $3.3 million in 2022 and attendance plummeted 9.1 percent. To further add TSN’s Dave Naylor’s report, the losing seasons plus the name change from the Eskimos to the Elks in 2021 did not sit well with some of the current fanbase leading to the substantial loss. However, 3DownNation also confirmed that ticket sales for the 2023 season rose to 4.1 percent but remained well below the pre-pandemic levels.

The Edmonton Elks start the 2024 season on Saturday, June 8th against the Saskatchewan Roughriders at 7 pm. Purchase CFL tickets today on StubHub and Viagogo.

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My name is Michael Heilman. I'm the Founder of BGMSportsTrax. An independent blog dedicated to covering regional and national sports, while presenting commentary on sports-related stories.