December 30, 2024 – Kitchener, Ontario, Canada –
At Jack Couch Park, the echoes of a century of baseball linger in the air. The Kitchener Panthers, one of Canada’s oldest and most storied baseball franchises, have always been more than a team—they are woven into the fabric of this community. Now, under new ownership, the Panthers are poised for transformation. It’s not just a change of hands; it’s the beginning of a new chapter in a story that’s still being written. Waterloo Region Sports and Entertainment (WRSE), led by David and Kate Schooley alongside the Hirani family, isn’t just buying a team—they’re investing in a legacy. With roots in the local community and a track record of success with the KW Titans basketball team, WRSE brings a mix of respect for tradition and a bold vision for the future. “This isn’t just a business deal,” David Schooley says, his voice carrying the weight of conviction. “This is about preserving what the Panthers mean to Kitchener while making them even better.”
The Intercounty Baseball League is a quiet treasure of Canadian sports. It’s not flashy, and it’s not always perfect, but it’s real. For over 100 years, the Panthers have been its crown jewel. This team has seen it all: championship seasons, heartbreaking losses, and the unyielding support of a community that calls them their own. But history alone doesn’t pay the bills or fill the stands. The Panthers, like the league itself, face the challenge of evolving while staying true to their roots. Enter WRSE. For the Schooleys, this isn’t their first rodeo. They’ve turned the KW Titans into a community powerhouse, known for fan engagement, innovative game-day experiences, and a commitment to giving back. They’ve taken a different route with the Titans, making them Canada’s first not-for-profit professional basketball team. But with the Panthers, they’re playing a new game, transitioning the team from a non-profit to a for-profit model. Why the shift? Because the Intercounty Baseball League is changing. To keep up, teams need flexibility, resources, and the ability to invest in players and facilities. And WRSE is ready to do just that.
At the center of the Panthers’ transformation is General Manager Shanif Hirani, a former Panthers outfielder with a sports management degree from Columbia University. Hirani isn’t here to rebuild—he’s here to reimagine. His focus is on recruitment, not just within Canada but across international borders, bringing fresh talent to Jack Couch Park. But it’s not just about the roster. WRSE has big plans for the Panthers’ home field. Upgrades are coming, from a new scoreboard and expanded seating to improved concessions and a merchandise store. There’s even talk of covered batting cages and revamped dugouts. These aren’t just cosmetic changes; they’re a statement. The Panthers are stepping into the future, one renovation at a time. “We’re not just upgrading a stadium,” Hirani says. “We’re creating an experience. Baseball isn’t just a game—it’s a connection, and we want every fan to feel it.”
The Schooleys’ success with the KW Titans offers a glimpse of what Panthers fans can expect. With the Titans, they’ve mastered the art of making game days more than just about the sport. From pre-game fan zones and live entertainment to post-game autograph sessions, every moment is designed to engage and excite. For the Panthers, this approach means themed nights, kids’ zones, and community outreach programs. It means better concessions, smoother ticketing, and a game-day atmosphere that feels like a celebration. It’s about creating memories, not just selling tickets. And while the Panthers’ new for-profit status allows for bigger investments and sponsorship opportunities, WRSE hasn’t lost sight of what matters most. “The heart of this team is its community,” Kate Schooley says. “Everything we do is about making the Panthers a source of pride for Kitchener.”
Transformation isn’t easy. Upgrading Jack Couch Park means convincing the city to buy into the vision. WRSE is working closely with local leaders, not just to secure funding but to build a shared sense of ownership. The hope is that the city will see the Panthers not just as a team, but as an institution worth investing in. For the Panthers, success will come down to balance. Can they modernize without losing what makes them special? Can they embrace change while staying true to their roots? If anyone is up for the challenge, it’s WRSE.
The Panthers’ 2025 season kicks off on May 18, with a home opener against the Chatham-Kent Barnstormers. By then, the renovations at Jack Couch Park will likely be underway, and fans will get their first taste of the new era. But the real work isn’t just in the stadium or on the field—it’s in the connection between the team and the people who fill the stands. The Panthers are more than a baseball team. They’re a bridge between past and future, between tradition and innovation. And now, with WRSE at the helm, they’re ready to take their place in the next chapter of Kitchener’s story. As the sun sets over Jack Couch Park, you can almost feel it: change is coming. But for the Panthers, some things will always stay the same. The crack of the bat, the roar of the crowd, and the unwavering belief that this team belongs to everyone who calls Kitchener home.
