BREAKING NEWS: Brett Bouchy Out With Orlando Predators (Updated 7/18 5:00 PM)

Adam Markowitz
Wednesday July 17, 2013

ORLANDO – As originally reported by ArenaFan.com, the Orlando Predators have undergone a change in ownership and management. Brett Bouchy, the managing partner of the Orlando Predators has sold his interest in the team to Pearsall Holdings, LP. The structure of the team's ownership has changed, but the rest of the owners will maintain their interests in the club. As reported by ArenaFan, David Pearsall, the general manager of Pearsall Holdings, will take over as the managing partner. Pearsall was a member of the ownership group and the member of one of the key Orlando sponsors, People's Power and Gas.

The news comes just five days after the city of Orlando sued the Predators for sponsorship conflicts involving Fairwinds Credit Union. Fairwinds was an active sponsor for the Preds at the Amway Center in last week's win over the Iowa Barnstormers.

Bouchy was the managing partner of the Predators on two different occasions totaling 15 seasons of ownership. Bouchy was a part of the ownership group, Orlando Predators Football, LLC that bought the club in 1996, and he acted as the president. In 2004 and 2005, Bouchy was the managing member of the team. The team was sold in 2007, but Bouchy bought the club for a second time in 2008 just before the league went on hiatus.

Sources had earlier confirmed to ArenaFan that the league would not be buying controling interest of the team. Bouchy was a minority owner of the team's interests.

The ownership change could not be made official without approval from the AFL Board of Directors. Approval came on Thursday, and the announcement was made shortly thereafter.

"I am grateful for this opportunity," said Pearsall in a press release sent out by the Predators on Thursday. "The Predators have some of the best fans anywhere, players & coaches with determination and the heart and a staff who love this game and this city. It's an honor to be a part of it. I believe our current path will lay the groundwork for our success in the future."

Via text message, Mr. Bouchy originally refuted our report, and he is stated that he was still the managing partner of the team on Wednesday. He declined the opportunity to make a statement to ArenaFan. In his departing statement through the Predators, Bouchy said, "David has been a long time partner of mine and the Predators and will make a great addition to the Predators' organization. While I am sad to be leaving the team, I am excited to be moving on to other ventures and the next chapter in my life. I wish David and the Predators the best of luck."

AFL Comissioner Jerry Kurz told WFTV that Bouchy was still the managing partner as of Wednesday.

Pearsall has been an owner of the team since the relaunch of the club in 2010.