Baseball Victoria and Baseball Australia are pleased to announce that FS Entertainment has acquired the license for the Melbourne Aces with immediate effect.
Executive Chairman of FS Entertainment, Simon Sallka, will take over ownership of the Aces in what will be a positive long-term partnership for the Melbourne Aces and Baseball in Victoria.
In an effort to ensure a smooth transition, Baseball Victoria will continue to lead the day-to-day functions of the Aces in partnership with Baseball Australia throughout the upcoming 2018/19 season. FS Entertainment will take over complete operational control of the team for the 2019/20 season.
The Board of Baseball Victoria is proud to have played an instrumental role in developing a long-term strategy for success on behalf of the Melbourne Aces and the team’s dedicated fans. Through difficult decision-making and thoughtful planning, the Board has ensured the Aces is best positioned for a promising future of professional baseball for years to come.
Baseball Victoria CEO Justin Huber is looking forward to the change, which will allow the organisation to leverage the increased profile FS Entertainment will bring the Aces and realign operational resources at the grassroots level to continue providing valuable experiences for members including players, coaches, club volunteers and supporters.
“We have secured the Aces operating license this season as stewards of baseball in Victoria,” Huber said. “Allowing our Melbourne professional team and traditional senior men’s state team competing for a Claxton Shield, to falter was out of the question for the Baseball Victoria Board. It is 100% in the best interests of our sport collectively that we’ve remained stewards of this team throughout this period.”
Baseball Victoria recognises the essential role played by Baseball Australia in securing new ownership for the Aces. “This was made possible by the vision of Baseball Australia who have lead the ABL through this new private investment model.”
This season, Baseball Victoria and Baseball Australia will work together to provide an improved guest experience for fans at Melbourne Ballpark, where the Aces will host their home games, including Round 1 vs. the Canberra Cavalry. Baseball Australia will oversee commercial operations and event experiences at Aces game days, while Baseball Victoria will handle team operations.
President of Baseball Victoria – Myles Foreman is thrilled that the hard work of Justin Huber with the strong support of the Baseball Victoria Board has resulted in today’s announcement.
“With private ownership of the Melbourne Aces we look forward to further unlocking the potential the Australian Baseball League and Melbourne Aces provides in helping to raise the profile of our sport, provide development and pathway opportunities while increasing awareness and participation. Victoria has a long and proud history of success at all levels of our sport and an incredibly passionate and dedicated baseball community. We look forward to partnering with FS Entertainment to leverage the opportunities private ownership will provide to build a long-term future for the Melbourne Aces.
With an ongoing commitment to continually improve how Baseball Victoria supports the grassroots of our sport through the delivery of competitions, pathways and member services, the Baseball Victoria team are focused on this outcome which will now be supported in a way not previously possible through the additional opportunity private ownership of the Melbourne Aces provides”.
The long-term outlook is bright now that the license is secured for the 2019/20 season and beyond. With two Victorian based professional teams competing in the ABL we look forward to a bright future for our sport.