Cavaliers Ownership Group Becomes Sole Owner Of AFL Gladiators

Cavaliers Owner Dan Gilbert and the team's ownership group yesterday announced the acquisition of the AFL Cleveland Gladiators from Jim Ferraro, according to Dennis Manoloff of the Cleveland PLAIN DEALER. Terms of the deal were “not disclosed,” but the Cavaliers are now “the sole owner.” Cavs President Len Komoroski said, “We're bullish on the AFL and the Gladiators. We think the AFL is an incredibly dynamic product, and we're in this for the long haul." He added, “This is another example of Dan Gilbert's commitment to Northeast Ohio.” Gilbert's group also owns the AHL Lake Erie Monsters and the NBA D--League Canton Charge. Last season, the Gladiators “won the East Division but generated minimal buzz.” Many home crowds totaled “no more than several thousand.” The Galdiators "will move their offices" to Quicken Loans Arena (Cleveland PLAIN DEALER, 1/18). In Akron, George Thomas notes former Browns QB Bernie Kosar “will continue to serve in his role as a special adviser to the organization, a move that makes sense given the friendship he shares with Gilbert” (AKRON BEACON JOURNAL, 1/18).