The Boston Cannons of Major League Lacrosse (MLL), the premier professional outdoor lacrosse league, announced today that Rob Hale has acquired a majority stake in the team. Hale was previously a minority owner in the team. The recent transaction provides Hale with a controlling interest in the Cannons organization and team operations. In conjunction with the transaction, Hale will assume the lead of the Cannons Board of Directors and become the Cannons’ voting member for the MLL Board of Managers.
“It is a privilege to become majority owner of the Cannons,” said Hale. “The sport of lacrosse is experiencing rapid growth at the youth and collegiate level and the Cannons are well positioned to be a leading organization in the professional ranks. We look forward to helping grow our explosive game and team for years.”
Commissioner Dave Gross and the MLL Board of Managers unanimously approved Hale’s acquisition of a controlling interest in the Cannons. Major League Lacrosse is made up of eight lacrosse teams and is currently in its 14th season.
“The Cannons have had exemplary team ownership throughout their history,” said MLL Commissioner David Gross.“We believe that having someone of Rob’s caliber step up to a majority ownership position will only strengthen this already outstanding organization.”
The Cannons play their home games at Harvard Stadium and have executive offices in Allston, Massachusetts. The 2014 operations will continue to be lead by Cannons General Manager, Kevin Barney, and his front office staff.
“As a professional sports team, all you can ask for from your ownership is to provide the support and backing to allow you to be successful on and off the field,” said Cannons General Manager Kevin Barney. “That is exactly what the Cannons have with the Hale Family.”
Hale’s decision to acquire a majority stake in the Cannons stems from his passion for the sport of lacrosse, which he played collegiately at Connecticut College. Additionally, Hale has actively supported lacrosse as a youth coach, and benefactor, in the town of Hingham, Massachusetts. Rob and his wife Karen reside in Hingham, MA. Hale is the founder and CEO of Granite Telecommunications, based in Quincy, Massachusetts. Hale established Granite in 2002 and has grown the business into one of the largest privately held telecommunications service providers in the U.S., with annual revenues exceeding $900 million. Hale is also co-founder of FoxRock Properties and Copley Equity Partners and is a co-owner of the Boston Celtics.
