The Canberra Cavalry won the 2024-25 ABL championship. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
NOTE: Story updated to include comment from the ABL.
Canberra’s baseball team is now in the hands of the Australian Baseball League after its license agreement with the owners was terminated.
The Canberra Cavalry’s license had previously been taken away after the owners, Paul Kelly and Adrian Dart, withdrew the team from the ABL’s 2025-26 season.
The intention had been to return to the league in 2026-27, but it could now be without the current ownership.
“We have indicated the desire for the Canberra Cavalry to be included in a restructured league in 2026 and the ABL have stated to us that they do see a team being based in Canberra again soon,” an owner’s update to social media stated.
“What that looks like is unknown at this stage and whether we will be involved is out of our hands.
“Due to this, as we have no further rights to the team, we will begin winding up our involvement with the Cavs for the foreseeable future.”
A full email, including details for those who have paid for future memberships, will be sent out next week.
After that time, all website and social media updates will be handled by Baseball Australia.
Mr Kelly and Mr Dart thanked everyone who had been involved with the Cavs over the years, which culminated in their “ultimate success” last season.
“Our players, coaches, game day staff, sponsors and supporters all played a part in bringing home the Claxton Shield to The Fort,” the post stated.
“We are immensely proud of this achievement, and it was a great reward for all the hard work and investment put in over the past few years.
“Until we see you around the ballpark – Go Cavs!!”
Australian Baseball League General Manager Paul Gonzalez confirmed the news.
“The outgoing ownership group informed the ABL they were unable to commit to the 2025-26 season,” he said.
“The license was returned to the ABL, due to the Canberra Cavalry ownership group not meeting the conditions of the license.
“The ABL will consider all options in the 2026-27 season, including Canberra and other markets.”
When contacted by Region, Mr Dart clarified that while the ABL now held the Cavs’ license, that didn’t stop Mr Dart and Mr Kelly from reapplying to get it back.
But Mr Dart doesn’t believe he’ll make a bid.
“I was surprised by the [termination] decision … knowing how close we were to getting some major investment from overseas,” he said.
It’s been a turbulent time for Australia’s baseball scene, with the original owners of the Sydney Blue Sox handing back their license. That was taken over by Black Pearl Sports Group.
The Melbourne Aces, Canberra Cavs and Perth Heat pulled out of the 2025-26 season, with the ABL now operating the Heat’s license and team.
Mr Dart said all of the uncertainty about the league had driven the owner’s decision to withdraw from the season in the first place, “[because] if it goes wrong, it would be the end of the Cavs forever”.
He emphasised the ABL had made it clear it wanted all six Australian teams back in the league and that this didn’t mean it was the end of the Cavs forever.
“The Cavs certainly didn’t implode the way it did in the past,” Mr Dart said.
“It’s still alive if someone wants it.”
