Ottawa Rapid FC has announced the expansion of its ownership team, notably bringing aboard several prominent figures who already have ties to sports and local business leadership. Among the key new investors are Seth Boro and Jen Hamilton, minority owners in the NHL's Ottawa Senators, along with Rapid’s chief sport officer, Heidi Bloomfield. Additionally, prominent Ottawa entrepreneurs David Renfroe, Chris Riddoch, and Kyle Braatz, who also holds a stake in the Senators, have joined the club's ownership structure.
Boro, who originates from Ottawa but is currently based in California, is the managing partner at Thoma Bravo, a significant investor that oversees more than US$177 billion in software-focused assets. Emphasizing the importance of a strong women's soccer league within Canada, Boro expressed pride in contributing to a project he believes will foster local talent and provide inspiration to aspiring athletes.
Other local business leaders bolstering the club include Braatz, CEO of the Ottawa-based online health supplement company Fullscript. Riddoch serves as the president of Turning Point Brands Canada, and Renfroe heads Renfroe Land Management, another Ottawa-based company. Moreover, the roster of community investors features respected individuals such as Peter Di Maso, Stephen and Tandy Thomas, Isabelle Perreault, Giovanni Toscano, Jason Dashnay, Jason Flick, Angela Goodfellow, and Ben Hart, further broadening the club's ties to the local community.
Club co-founder Thomas Gilbert highlighted the motivation behind these recent additions, stating that all new investors have shown genuine passion for growing soccer at the grassroots and professional levels, particularly in relation to women’s sports. According to Gilbert, this reflects positively not only on the club itself but also signals the momentum Rapid FC has generated since its inception.
Looking ahead, Ottawa Rapid FC anticipates a strong start to its inaugural season, scheduled to kick off at home on April 27, 2025. The club plans to host 13 home games at the Stadium at TD Place in Lansdowne Park. National Super League (NSL) President Christina Litz praised the club's expanded ownership, noting it mirrors the broader growth and financial stability goals of the league, which continues attracting elite Canadian and international talent.
5 Comments
Matzomaster
I'm confident that these investors share the same passion for soccer as the club's founders.
Karamba
Ottawa Rapid FC is setting a new standard for women's soccer in Canada. I'm proud to be a fan of this club.
Rotfront
We need to take a stand against this kind of exploitation.
Karamba
It's amazing to see so many successful business leaders investing in women's soccer. This is a sign of the growing respect for the sport.
Rotfront
I'm excited to see how these new investors will help the club develop its players and grow the fan base.