David Braley provides update on his health & future of the team
VANCOUVER — With his health on the upswing, BC Lions owner David Braley says he hopes to sell the team soon — preferably to someone local.
The Lions’ long-time owner is in Vancouver for the first time since his health issues arose last season. On Thursday he provided an update on his health, his outlook on the 2017 season as well as his hopes to sell the team in the near future.
“I was very sick,” Braley said in an interview with BCLions.com. “I was in the hospital for over three months, then I had a rehabilitation because you lose all your muscles and your ability to walk. I had to learn how to walk again.
“I’m getting stronger and stronger, I’m at about 85 to 95 per cent.”
As far as selling, Braley says he’s optimistic about his position as a prospective seller, although he’d prefer to find a buyer sooner rather than later.
“It has to be sold,” said Braley. “I don’t want to be sitting here at 95, shaking and owning the franchise. I will make sure this franchise is transferred to someone who will look after it in the way that I would.”
Now 75, Braley bought the Lions two decades ago in 1997. He says there’s no immediate timeline to sell the team — a sale could occur this year, next year or beyond.
Braley says there’s no reason to rush the process.
“I’m under no duress to sell it,” said Braley. “It doesn’t owe any money or anything, everything here is paid for. We’re in good shape financially. I have enough money, if we did lose some money, to pay for it.
“There are several people that are interested and they’re having meetings with me and discussions about how they would run it.”
Braley also gave his thoughts on the Lions’ chances in 2017. After a 12-6 season in 2016, good for second in the West, the Lions are considered one of the league’s biggest heavyweights.
The Lions’ owner says he’s impressed by the way his club made strides last season.
“I think we’ve improved,” said Braley. “Two years ago I was a little disappointed and we made the necessary changes but we grew last year. I think we’re going to be stronger this year.”
With files from BCLions.com
