ABL: Canberra Cavalry owners lose license agreement

The Australian Baseball League’s turbulent off-season has taken another twist after one ownership group was stripped of its license with an idea of future plans also revealed.

The Canberra Cavalry owners have been stripped of their license. Photo: SMPIMAGES.COM/ABL Media

The owners of the reigning Australian Baseball League champions have had their license agreement torn up by officials.

Canberra Cavalry owners Adrian Dart and Paul Kelly have confirmed the ABL has “chosen to terminate” the deal with the current ownership group ahead of the upcoming season.

The ABL will proceed in a four-team competition this summer after the withdrawals of the Melbourne Aces and Cavalry in recent months.

“We have indicated the desire for the Canberra Cavalry to be included in a restructured league in 2026 and the ABL have stated to us that they do see a team being based in Canberra again soon,” Dart and Kelly said in a statement.

“What that looks like is unknown at this stage and whether we will be involved is out of our hands.

“Due to this, as we have no further rights to the team, we will begin winding up our involvement with the Cavs for the foreseeable future.”

It has been a turbulent off-season for the ABL with several moments of uncertainty surrounding the future of the competition.

Baseball Australia has taken over the license and operation of the Perth Heat after its former owners decided to step away from the role.

The Sydney Blue Sox were saved after the Black Pearl Sports Group took over the license last month.

The Blue Sox, Heat, Adelaide Giants and Brisbane Bandits are the four remaining teams who look set to contest the season.

Baseball Australia was contacted for comment.