T-C report: 'Cats sold to local owners

John Wilson

According to Mario Annicchiarico of the Victoria Times Colonist, the HarbourCats have been sold to a local ownership group that includes GM Jim Swanson and John Wilson, C.E.O and owner of Wilson's Transportation. It is worth noting that the members of the ownership group are still unconfirmed at this time.

The news comes a mere four months after it was revealed that former owner John McLean had lost control of the team to Bhootan LLC / Matthew Stoudt in a BC Supreme Court civil suit. The quick sale shouldn't come as a surprise, as Stoudt had shown little interest in owning a baseball team for any length of time. It's also no shock that local owners stepped forward immediately, especially considering the relatively healthy financial state of the franchise, the favourable West Coast League business model, and the strong support of fans in the league's largest market.

The deal must be approved on Monday at league meetings in Tacoma. Given the current scenario, I wouldn't expect Monday's vote to be anything but a formality (but anything is possible, especially in the sports world). Victoria is the crown jewel of West Coast League franchises and this deal goes a long way towards ensuring that the HarbourCats will remain in Victoria for many years to come.