By Sam Adams | December 16, 2024
Cosmos Sports & Entertainment is proud to announce the successful sale of the Kitchener Panthers, a storied franchise in the Intercounty Baseball League (IBL). This marks the second IBL team sold with Cosmos’ expertise, following the successful sale of the Toronto Maple Leafs Baseball Club in 2023 for more than $1 million.
David Schooley, CEO and co-owner of the KW Titans basketball team, along with his wife Katie, has acquired the Panthers in partnership with Sam, Naseem, and Shanif Hirani. Together, they have established Waterloo Region Sports and Entertainment, which will oversee both franchises. Shanif, a former Panther and Waterloo Collegiate Institute graduate, has been appointed the Panthers’ new general manager, succeeding Mike Boehmer.
“The seasons just line up perfectly,” said Schooley, referencing the operational efficiencies gained by managing the two franchises under one umbrella. “We can run the organization basically 12 months of the year.”
Cosmos has worked closely with the Panthers organization to identify and vet potential buyers. Leveraging its extensive network and expertise in sports franchise sales, Cosmos facilitated the transaction that brings fresh leadership and vision to the team.
Cosmos President Cary Kaplan shared his thoughts on the sale:
“Toronto Maple Leafs and Kitchener Panthers are both Century old iconic IBL franchises and we are proud to have secured their legacy with excellent incoming ownership groups.”
Rob Schlegel, Director of the Kitchener Senior Panthers Baseball Club, expressed his gratitude for Cosmos’ guidance:
“We are incredibly grateful to Cosmos Sports for their expert guidance and professional management throughout the sale of the Kitchener Senior Panthers Baseball Club. Their team’s deep industry knowledge and strategic approach were invaluable in navigating the complex process. From the initial discussions to the final transaction, Cosmos Sports demonstrated exceptional attention to detail, ensuring the best possible outcome for all parties involved. Their dedication, transparency, and unwavering support made what could have been a challenging process seamless. We couldn’t have asked for a better partner to oversee this important transition.”
Under Shanif Hirani’s leadership, the Panthers are poised for success on and off the field. While navigating the increasingly competitive IBL landscape, the new general manager is confident in his ability to build a strong team. “There’s tons of talent all around here,” said Hirani. “We’re looking at any avenue we can to improve the team and put a good product out for the City of Kitchener.”
Meanwhile, David Schooley is exploring potential upgrades at Jack Couch Park to enhance the fan experience, hoping for visible improvements by Game 1 of the upcoming season.
As the Panthers transition from a non-profit to a for-profit model, the new ownership group has expressed gratitude for the outgoing board members, who have offered their full support during the handover. “The entire Panthers organization is standing with their hands out to help us,” said Schooley. “It was time for them to step back so someone could take it and modernize it.”
The sale of the Panthers underscores Cosmos Sports & Entertainment’s expertise in navigating complex franchise transactions. With a proven track record that now includes two IBL franchises, Cosmos remains a trusted partner for teams seeking new ownership and strategic growth.
To learn more about Cosmos’ franchise sales services, visit cosmossports.com/sports-franchise-consulting/.
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