Ottawa entrepreneur Jeff Hunt: ‘the time is right’ to leave Redblacks ownership group

Photo courtesy: Scott Grant/CFLPhotoArchive.com

Ottawa entrepreneur Jeff Hunt is shifting his focus in the nation’s capital.

Hunt and the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group have reached an agreement to buy him out of his minority ownership shares, according to Postmedia reporter Don Brennan. The 56-year-old was a part owner of OSEG, which controls the Ottawa Redblacks.

“I’ve done everything I can here. It’s not a spontaneous decision. This has been on my mind for awhile. I just took stock of what I’ve done, and what I want to do,” Hunt said.

Hunt partnered with four other local businessmen to form OSEG in 2008 and were awarded a CFL franchise. The group was responsible for a major renovation of Frank Clair Stadium – now TD Place – as well as commercial and residential development around the stadium. The team kicked off in 2014, won a championship two seasons later in 2016 and hosted a successful Grey Cup in 2017.

OSEG’s Executive Chair and Managing Partner, Roger Greenberg, said Hunt was the face of the organization.

“He was well-known and well-liked by the Ottawa sports community for his great work reinvigorating the Ottawa 67’s franchise. Under Jeff’s watch, the 67’s became one of the top-drawing teams in the OHL, year after year, Greenberg stated.

“That track record of success added instant credibility to OSEG’s plan to re-establish CFL football in Ottawa, at a time when the memory of failed CFL ownership groups and poor teams was still fresh.”

After growing the Redblacks into a successful franchise, Hunt will endeavour to do the same with the Canadian Premier League franchise in Ottawa, Atletico Ottawa.