McNall to Buy Toronto Argonauts; Gretzky, Candy May Become Partners
Owner Bruce McNall of the Kings has agreed in principle to buy the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League for about $5 million, U.S. Harry Ornest is expected to relinquish ownership of the club in a few weeks.
McNall said it is “very likely” that King center Wayne Gretzky and comedian John Candy will become minority owners.
Gretzky is expected to buy about 20% of the club. He grew up in Brantford, a small town 90 miles from Toronto.
Ornest, of Los Angeles, bought the Argonauts three years ago for about $4 million, Canadian. The team broke even in each of his first two years, but lost money last season, when it averaged fewer than 25,000 fans a game and finished 10-8.
McNall’s representatives met Monday in Toronto with officials of the CFL and Skydome, home of the Argonauts. “They answered all our questions, and we are fairly well satisfied,” McNall said.
Asked if he envisioned a specific role for Gretzky with the football team, McNall replied, “I don’t know. Do you think he could play quarterback?”
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