Orlando Magic to buy Orlando Solar Bears

Hockey franchise was set to fold

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Solar Bears will be purchased by the Orlando Magic franchise, which is owned by the DeVos family, the team announced Wednesday.

The Solar Bears were going to fold, but the Magic jumped in and purchased the hockey franchise.

"We are thrilled to purchase the Solar Bears, giving the team the opportunity to continue to play in Orlando," Orlando Magic CEO Alex Martins said. "The Solar Bears' fan base has been outstanding and we look forward to an exciting future."

The team will play at the Amway Center for the 2017-18 season.

The Solar Bears are part of the ECHL. Originally, the team played in the IHL from 1995 to 2001. The DeVos family owned and operated the Solar Bears during those years and in those six seasons, the team earned one division title (Central Division, 1995-96), three Eastern Conference crowns (1996, 1999, 2001) and the IHL’s Turner Cup championship in 2000-01.

The team returned to Orlando in 2012 and faced financial struggles this season. 

“We are excited and grateful the DeVos family has agreed to purchase the Solar Bears to continue to grow the brand and expand the growth of the sport in Central Florida,” ECHL Commissioner Brian McKenna said. “A track record of successfully operating professional sports franchises, an in-depth knowledge of the Orlando sports environment and as creators of the original Solar Bears brand, the Orlando Magic and the DeVos family are the ideal owners for the professional hockey team.”

Dan DeVos, the son of Orlando Magic owner Richard DeVos, owns the American Hockey League franchise in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos is married to Dick DeVos, Magic owner Richard DeVos’s oldest son.

Check back with News 6 for more on this developing story.


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