NLL hopes to keep Ottawa Black Bears in Ottawa-Gatineau following ‘termination’ of ownership

Ottawa Black Bears NLL team logo. (Ottawa Black Bears)

The National Lacrosse League says it has terminated the ownership of the Ottawa Black Bears but aims to keep the franchise in the National Capital Region.

On Tuesday, the Ottawa Black Bears sent a brief email to season ticket holders indicating the team would not be playing at the Canadian Tire Centre next season. It did not say where the team would be playing or why the decision was made.

In a news release on Wednesday, the NLL said GF Lacrosse LLC’s ownership of the club has ceased but it hopes to keep the team in the Ottawa-Gatineau region.

“The National Lacrosse League is aware that following its termination of GF Lacrosse LLC’s ownership of the Ottawa Black Bears, the Club informed select ticket holders that ‘the Black Bears will no longer be playing at Canadian Tire Centre,’” the league wrote.

“The NLL’s intention is to keep the franchise in the Ottawa-Gatineau region and continue to grow the Black Bears’ loyal and passionate fan base.”

In 2024, the NLL said GF Sports & Entertainment would “maintain ownership and operation of the franchise,” and would “maintain a strong working relationship with Senators Sports & Entertainment to help drive the team’s success in the Ottawa-Gatineau market.”

No additional details were provided, and it is unclear what the ownership status of the team is. CTV News has reached out to the NLL and the Ottawa Black Bears for more information.

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