Fort McMurray residents will have one more form of entertainment to look forward to in the area when Shell Place welcomes a WMBL franchise in 2016. According to the announcement that was made the league is expected to begin playing in Wood Buffalo around May of 2016. Annette Antoniak, the CEO of Regional Recreation Corporation, stated “We had a few interactions with different leagues and this seemed to be the right fit for us and the right fit for them.” During the press conference announcement the franchise name was not given but posters which were used for a fundraiser that will take place on November 17 uses the name Fort McMurray Giants. According to Antoniak a 5 year lease has been signed, with 2 additional 5 year term options based on mutual considerations. The fact that the franchise will be locally owned at least in part is a favorable factor for many residents.

The WMBL franchise which will play at Shell Place has an ownership group which is headed by High Plains Baseball and Dutche Iannetti. When discussing the move Dutche Iannetti stated “I believe that we will gain the same support down here. It’s all about putting the right product on the field also for the entertainment. We’re very confident that we will get the support that we need to run the WMBL team in Fort McMurray.” According to Steve Avila, who helped spearhead securing the franchise, Iannetti being involved was very important. “That made everybody comfortable in the WMBL because it was local ownership.” Mayor Melissa Blake showed her support and said “This is just another opportunity for our community to see a real transition from going from the minors in youth sport right into becoming somebody of a significant player on our very own field.”