Arnone buys Pride, vows to thrive
The Boston Pride will be the only independently owned and operated National Women’s Hockey League team during the 2019-2020 season. Cannon Capital managing partner Miles Arnone acquired the team from the league right before the start of the season, the Herald has learned.
Last season, the Buffalo Beauts were operated by Pegula Sports and Entertainment but were sold back to the NWHL during the summer, giving the league control of all five teams.
“The NWHL congratulates Miles Arnone on his acquisition of the Boston Pride, and we thank Miles and his investors for their belief in our league and players,” commissioner Dani Rylan said in a statement. “Miles has a love for the game and deep connections in the New England community. The Pride’s new ownership is passionately committed to the team for the long haul, and we are confident they will set a new standard for how professional women’s hockey teams are run in North America. Their dedication to investing in the Pride’s infrastructure, player development, and every aspect of the sport and business is a game-changer.”
Arnone, a Long Island native and current Massachusetts resident, purchased the Pride through facilitation from The Sports Advisory Group.
“I had followed and been aware of the NWHL for some years,” said Arnone, who has four kids who all play hockey. “My kids became fans, they have (Boston Pride captain Jillian) Dempsey jerseys from the Pride. I had a general awareness of the league and was impressed with the level of play.”
Arnone also is invested with the company Chipwich, which became an NWHL sponsor for the league this season, and had been in talks with the league as far back as the end of last season.
Immediate plans for the Pride include more youth hockey initiatives, hiring a team president, increased marketing, and upgraded travel arrangements and player accommodations.
The partnership the Pride announced with the Bruins last season remains in tact, with hopes of expanding. The Pride are the only remaining team in the league with an explicit NHL partnership. The Beauts split from PSE and the New Jersey Devils reneged on their initial three-year deal with the Riveters.
One of the biggest focuses for Arnone, though, is promoting women’s and girls hockey in hopes of expanding the fan base.
“There’s underlying growth in the fan base,” Arnone said. “And that’s at the (youth) player base, which gives opportunity for the professional league to have a broader audience. I think that’s one of the most important aspects, to have grassroots growth and the professional level acts as a feedback loop to reinforce the growth of that professional level. It’s very synergistic in that way.”
The Pride’s fifth season begins Oct. 5 when they play the Metropolitan Riveters in New Jersey. Their home opener is Oct. 12 at Warrior Ice Arena, where they will play all 12 of their home games.