December 16, 2024

Official Intercounty Baseball League News Release

KITCHENER, ON – The Intercounty Baseball League (IBL) has officially approved the sale of the Kitchener Panthers, a charter member of the IBL since 1919.

David Schooley, CEO and co-owner of the KW Titans pro basketball team, and his wife, Katie, have partnered with Sam, Naseem, and Shanif Hirani to acquire the team. The new ownership group will operate under the banner of Waterloo Region Sports and Entertainment, aligning the Panthers and the Titans to maximize operational efficiencies and community impact.

“We were very pleased with the presentation that the new ownership group made which demonstrated a clear vision to enhance all aspects of the Kitchener Panthers”, expressed IBL Commissioner Ted Kalnins. “The KW Titans are known for having one of most entertaining game-day operations in the Basketball Super League, and the new Panthers ownership intend to bring that same atmosphere and energy to Jack Couch Park, where several exciting upgrades are being planned”.

The new general manager will be Shanif Hirani, a former Kitchener Panther who holds an MS in Sports Management from Columbia University. Shanif is optimistic about the team’s potential despite the highly competitive landscape of the IBL.

“There’s tons of talent all around here as well,” Hirani said. “I think we can tap into other parts of Canada that have not been looked at before. We are looking at any avenue we can to improve the team and put a good product out for the City of Kitchener.”

Under the leadership of Waterloo Region Sports and Entertainment, the Kitchener Panthers are poised for a new era of success on and off the field.

The home opener for the new-look Panthers will be Sunday, May 18 at 2 p.m. versus the Chatham-Kent Barnstormers.