By the Cosmos Franchise Sales Team | May 14, 2025
In late 2024, the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) announced its intention to aggressively expand for the first time in more than two decades, creating a rare opportunity for new ownership groups to join one of Canada’s premier junior hockey leagues.
The announcement marked a pivotal moment for prospective franchise owners, signaling that the OHL is actively exploring new markets and expanding its footprint in both Canada and the United States.
During a November 2024 Sportsnet report, hockey insider Elliotte Friedman revealed that the OHL’s Board of Governors had given a mandate to pursue “aggressive expansion.” While specific markets and timelines haven’t been finalized publicly, OHL Commissioner Bryan Crawford highlighted the GTA as a key target, emphasizing the city’s strong hockey culture and untapped junior hockey potential.
Currently, the OHL operates 20 teams—17 in Ontario and 3 in the U.S.—and hasn’t added a new expansion franchise since 1998. Friedman reported that league expansion could include more than two teams and might happen as soon as the coming seasons. Speculation also suggested the OHL could explore absorbing teams from the United States Hockey League (USHL) as part of its strategy.
Although several months have passed since the league’s initial announcement, expansion remains an active priority for the OHL as it evaluates potential markets and ownership groups.
Expansion opportunities in the OHL are rare—and highly competitive. Joining the league as an expansion franchise owner offers more than a seat at the table of Canadian junior hockey; it’s a chance to build a franchise from the ground up, shape a team’s identity, and establish a lasting community presence.
At the same time, acquiring an expansion franchise involves navigating a complex process, including league requirements, market analysis, venue agreements, and operational planning. For prospective owners, securing expert guidance is critical to successfully entering the league.
Cary Kaplan, President of Cosmos Sports & Entertainment, had this to say about the OHL’s expansion and what it means for prospective owners:
“The OHL has done a spectacular job building franchise value, brand loyalty and scarcity. They are expanding for the first time in 25 years and they will justifiably be extremely diligent in who they welcome into the league. Cosmos can help you navigate this complex process if you wish to join this very exclusive club.”
This expansion wave represents a unique moment in time—one that requires not only passion, but preparation and precision. With the right support, the path to ownership can be both achievable and rewarding.
With the Ontario Hockey League’s expansion plans continuing to take shape, there’s never been a better—or more urgent—time to act. Opportunities like this don’t come around often, and when they do, competition is fierce. If you’re serious about entering the OHL as an owner, you need a trusted partner who understands the landscape and can help you move quickly and strategically.
At Cosmos we specialize in guiding clients through the entire franchise acquisition process—from identifying the right opportunity and preparing your ownership pitch, to engaging with league decision-makers, securing a viable market, and supporting the operational launch of your team.
We’ve helped ownership groups navigate purchases across hockey, baseball, and other professional leagues. Our team brings unmatched industry knowledge, deep relationships across the sports world, and a hands-on approach to ensuring your ownership goals become a reality.
Whether you’re a seasoned investor or entering the sports world for the first time, Cosmos is here to lead the way.
👉 Contact us today for a confidential consultation and take the first step toward owning an OHL franchise.
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