December 1 – Canadian Soccer Business (CSB), the commercial arm of the Canadian Premier League (CPL), has sold the York United FC franchise to Game Plan Sports Group with the deal coming into effect immediately.
CSB took control of York United, based in Toronto, in April 2023, with the intention of transitioning the club to new ownership and strengthen the ownership groups of CPL clubs.
The CPL was formed in 2019 and consists of eight teams. CSB is looking for new opportunities to grow Canada’s top division in the near future.
“York United FC represents an incredibly important market for the CPL. We bought the club believing that the right stewards can make it a model club in our league. In Game Plan Sports Group we have found just that: an experienced, world-class ownership team that is committed to developing York United FC into the thriving, first-rate organisation we know it can be,” said Mark Noonan, CEO, Canadian Soccer Business and Commissioner, Canadian Premier League.
“They have the soccer and business acumen necessary to take York United to new heights. I am particularly excited for the soccer-mad community in the Greater Toronto Area to have this group breathing new life into one of our founding clubs.”
Game Plan Sports Group (GSPG) is part of a group of businesses spanning diverse industries including consumer goods, beverages, retail, marketing, media, and sports. Spearheaded by the Pasquel brothers—Eduardo, Ricardo, and Miguel—the leadership lineup has a wealth of experience that can be brought to the CPL.
Eduardo will step into the Chief Executive Officer position at York United, Ricardo assumes the dual role of President and General Manager, while Miguel undertakes the responsibilities of Chief Commercial Officer and spearheads the New Strategy Alliances division.
All three brothers and their families will relocate to Toronto.
“We are an ambitious group that has lived and breathed soccer all our lives, and we plan to make a massive contribution to growing the game in Canada,” said Eduardo Pasquel.
“On the field, we not only expect to deliver trophies to this club by building competitive squads that will fight for championships year in and year out, but to simultaneously develop the next generation of soccer stars through an ambitious plan to invest in young athletes that will get more Canadians involved in the game,” he continued.
“Off the field, we are committed to understanding the needs of our supporters and the community to create a better fan experience for all. By making a permanent move to Canada with our families, we will be able to ingrain ourselves into the fabric of the area. We can’t wait to build a special legacy within this club and this community. We are all in on Canadian soccer.”
York United FC, formerly known as York9, is cemented into the CPL’s history, having played in the division’s inaugural match against Forge FC.
No value was given for the sale or figures for the investment that GSPG will make in the club going forward.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1714494296labto1714494296ofdlr1714494296owedi1714494296sni@g1714494296niwe.1714494296yrrah1714494296