Edmonton Elks team owner Larry Thompson has died, club announces

Larry Thompson, the former season-ticket holder who became owner of the Edmonton Elks, has died. He was 65.

The Elks confirmed Thompson's death Thursday, saying he succumbed to complications following an unspecified surgery.

Thompson was a longtime season-ticket holder before being unveiled as Elks' owner on Aug. 15, 2024. It was a dramatic departure for the storied CFL franchise, which had been community-owned since it was founded in 1949.

The change to private ownership left the CFL with just two community-owned teams: the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

"Our family is devastated with the loss of our anchor," Thompson's wife, Deb, said in a statement. "Larry was a legend and our family will continue his legacy far beyond our lifetimes.

"Owning EE was a lifelong dream, my only regret is he isn't here to enjoy it. I will continue to support the club and community as it has become my dream, as well as of our family."

The Elks (5-9) sit fifth in the West Division standings and will host Saskatchewan (10-3) on Saturday night. Edmonton hasn't qualified for the CFL playoffs since 2019.

"Larry Thompson was a winner," CFL commissioner Stewart Johnston said in a statement. "A huge CFL fan, he cheered as the Green and Gold became legendary, winning five straight Grey Cups from 1978 through 1982.

"And in 2024, he lived every football fan's dream when he came to own the team he grew up loving. He laid the foundations for the Double E's return to glory and in the coming years, when the team flourishes and fans cheer on the Elks, we will remember Larry and the indelible impact he had on his team and his city."

Chris Morris won three Grey Cups as a player with Edmonton (1992-'05). He returned to the franchise as