National Lacrosse League Approves Sale of Rochester Knighthawks to New Majority Owner Curt Styres
May 28, 2008 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Rochester Knighthawks News Release
The National Lacrosse League has announced that the league's Board of Governors has granted approval for the sale of the Rochester Knighthawks franchise to new majority owner Curt Styres. The approval for the sale was granted by the league's Board of Governors earlier today.
The transaction price was a record $5.575 Million (US), marking the highest price for the sale of a franchise in the league's history. As recently as 1999, the league sold franchises for $250,000.
Styres, a businessman from Ohsweken, Ontario and President of Arrow Express Sports, is believed to be the first Native North American to own a major league professional sports franchise. The game of lacrosse was created and first played by Native North Americans in the 17th century.
"As the premier professional league in the sport of lacrosse, the National Lacrosse League is thrilled and honored to welcome Curt Styres as the new owner of the Rochester Knighthawks", said NLL Commissioner Jim Jennings. "The history of our sport is very rich in the culture and traditions of the Native North American people, and it gives us great pride to have the first Native North American owner of a major pro sports franchise here in the NLL. Curt is a great man and a very successful businessman, and we are excited to have him as an owner in our league."
The approval granted by the Board of Governors for the sale is conditional upon the franchise securing a new lease with the city of Rochester at Blue Cross Arena. The Knighthawks have played their home games at Blue Cross Arena since joining the league as an expansion franchise in 1995.
• Discuss this story on the National Lacrosse League message board...
National Lacrosse League Stories from May 28, 2008
- National Lacrosse League Approves Sale of Rochester Knighthawks to New Majority Owner Curt Styres - Rochester Knighthawks
- County Executive and Mayor to Appear at Bandits Championship Rally - Buffalo Bandits
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent Rochester Knighthawks Stories
- Join the Knighthawks for ROC the Rink Knight, Powered by Dash, Saturday against Halifax
- Knighthawks Unable to Slow Down Second-Half Surge by Mammoth
- Game Preview: 'Hawks Put Win Streak on the Line Tonight in Colorado
- Knighthawks to Televise Two Upcoming Home Games
- Knighthawks Survive Late Push from Albany for Third Straight Win