NorthPaws begin search for new ownership group, aim to stay in Kamloops

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“We believe this is the right time to welcome new ownership with the vision, energy and resources to take the team forward,” the NorthPaws ownership group states. “This is a positive step for the future of the NorthPaws, and our priority is finding the right owner to continue growing the organization here in Kamloops.” 

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Kamloops was awarded a WCL expansion franchise in 2020. The original ownership group included Jon Pankuch, Norm Daley and Neal Perry. Pankuch is no longer a co-owner.

The NorthPaws played their inaugural season at Norbrock Stadium in 2022 after a one-year delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The team earned a WCL playoff berth in its inaugural season with a 26-29 record. The franchise experienced lean years in 2023 and 2024 with records of 12-40 and 17-41, respectively. 

Over the past two seasons, the NorthPaws achieved more respectable records of 25-29 in 2025 and 22-32 in 2026. 

Daley said creating NorthPaws awareness in the city has been challenging, but there have been improvements on that front.

The club had improved attendance in 2026, averaging about 595 fans per game, up from 450 in 2025.

“I’m not getting any younger,” said Daley, who is also president of the WHL’s Kamloops Blazers. “This is a bit more of a young man’s game. I seem to be going from hockey season to baseball season to hockey season to baseball season. At some point in life, you start reflecting and wanting some time to do more personal things.” 

Speaking to CFJC Today last year, Daley said the Kamloops baseball club was profitable in 2025. Daley said he and co-owner Perry would consider selling the team if the right opportunity came along. 

He said on Tuesday he does not picture a scenario in which the team leaves town.

“I’m hoping that’s not what occurs,” Daley said. “I think Kamloops is one of the best ballparks in the West Coast League. I don’t really see that the league wants to make a change from here, and I think there is a tremendous opportunity to keep the team here and grow it.”

Cosmos Sports and Entertainment is overseeing the NorthPaws’ new ownership search. The sports marketing firm says it will engage with qualified prospective buyers on behalf of the NorthPaws. 

“The Kamloops NorthPaws represent an exciting opportunity to acquire an established sports franchise in a passionate Canadian market,” Cary Kaplan, Cosmos Sports and Entertainment president states. “The team has a recognizable brand, strong community roots and meaningful potential for continued growth. We look forward to speaking with prospective owners who recognize both the business opportunity and the privilege of stewarding an important community asset.” 

Kaplan said Cosmos has overseen similar transactions, including the sale of the Toronto Maple Leafs Baseball Club for more than $1 million in 2023. That team, which plays in the Canadian Baseball League, did not relocate after the sale.

“We’d love to have someone with local connections,” Kaplan said. “What could happen is you could get an investor from somewhere else who is committed to keeping the team in town and that’s fine, too.”

Kaplan said there was near-immediate interest from prospective buyers on Tuesday.

“I think the carrot is that it’s really exciting to own a sports team,” he said. “There aren’t that many and it’s really cool. What I will say is this isn’t a business to come in if you want to make millions of dollars. It’s do you love baseball and can you run a business well.” 

Kaplan was asked if between $700,000 and $1 million is in the ballpark for an operating budget for the NorthPaws.

“Nothing in there is crazy, what you’re saying,” Kaplan said. “You want to run a business that has more revenue than expenses, and you can definitely do that with this team.”

According to the release, the NorthPaws’ operations will continue as usual throughout the ownership search. 

“It could take two years for this to happen,” Daley said. “The NorthPaws are going to be playing baseball in Kamloops next summer and the summer after that.” 

Individuals, businesses and investment groups interested in learning more about purchasing the NorthPaws can contact Cosmos Sports and Entertainment at northpaws@cosmossports.com.