The Edmonton Elks announced on Thursday that owner Larry Thompson has passed away from complications following surgery. The club says the ownership of the team will remain with Thompson’s wife, Deb.
“Our family is devastated with the loss of our anchor,” Deb Thompson said in a statement. “Larry was a legend and our family will continue his legacy far beyond our lifetimes. Owning EE was a life long 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.”
A lifelong fan of the EE, Thompson attended his first Canadian Football League game in 1972.
Thompson was the former owner of Thompson Construction Group, a heavy civil construction company, which he headed up for four decades. He sold the company in 2023 to Hillcore Group, which “afforded him the opportunity” to purchase the Elks, who had been community-owned since being founded in 1949.
Upon purchasing the Club, Thompson stated: “My family and I can’t wait to bring our passion for the team to the table as owners and build on the Club’s proud history of excellence. My promise to our fans is that I’ll do everything in my power to ensure the Club has the resources to be the best in the CFL and provide a product our fans can be proud of.”
The EE were a dominant franchise throughout the 1970s and 1980s, winning seven Grey Cups in just over 20 years. The team has 14 Championships, with their most recent coming in 2015. The Elks haven’t made the playoffs since 2019, when they lost in the East Final to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
Though they sit last in the West Division with a 5-9 record, the 2025 season has been the first in years where there’s optimism and excitement around the team. It looked like the Elks were doomed before Thompson purchased the team, and his investment has changed the club’s trajectory.
“Although I had the privilege of working with Larry for less than a year, his impact on me—and on our entire organization—was profound,” EE President and CEO Chris Morris said. “Larry’s toughness and direct nature were matched only by his genuine care for every person connected to the Double E. He led with clarity, courage, and an unwavering belief in people. We will do everything in our power to carry his example with us as we rebuild this franchise in his honour.”
Edmonton will host the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Saturday at 5 PM MT.
