The Alliance de Montréal gathered journalists at the Verdun Auditorium on Monday morning for what was billed as a “significant proclamation” regarding its future. The lavish spread of refreshments, including cupcakes adorned in the team’s signature colors, hinted at a celebratory tone, suggesting the news would be uplifting.
“I’m thrilled too be here, surrounded by such incredible partners. this is truly an exciting moment for me,” shared Joel Anthony, who continues to serve as CEO.
Joining Anthony in this venture is pharmacist-owner Ian-Philip Paul-Hus, one of the new investors. A dedicated Alliance season ticket holder as 2022, Paul-hus has shown his passion for basketball in memorable ways.A recent newspaper article captured him mid-festivity, arms raised high, cheering enthusiastically during a game for his newly acquired team.
PHOTO FRANÇOIS ROY, THE PRESS
Ian-Philip Paul-Hus
Rounding out the trio is Léo Bouisson, the visionary behind Weeve, a company specializing in electric vehicle rentals. Bouisson’s involvement adds a fresh perspective to the group, blending his innovative mindset wiht a shared enthusiasm for basketball.
A Legacy Rooted in Basketball
Basketball runs deep in Joel Anthony’s family. His grandfather played a pivotal role in establishing Cholet Basket, a renowned French club that has nurtured talents like Rudy Gobert, now a star player for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Beyond his family’s contributions to the sport, Joel has carved out his own niche as the host of the popular podcast Unfiltered Athletes, where he engages in candid conversations with athletes across various disciplines.
Montreal: A City Close to his Heart
For Joel Anthony, Montreal holds a special place as his “favorite city.” This connection is more than sentimental—it’s also professional. As part of the new ownership group of the Alliance, Joel is determined to elevate the team’s performance. While the club has enjoyed success at the box office, its on-court results have been less remarkable. Since its inception in 2021, the Alliance has consistently found itself at the bottom of its division standings.
“I’m confident we can turn things around,” Joel stated.“My vision is for our team to become a household name. It won’t happen overnight, but we’re laying the groundwork to make it possible. That’s what makes this journey so thrilling for us.”
PHOTO FRANÇOIS ROY, THE PRESS
Joel Anthony
The three men believe that the Alliance’s transition to private ownership will significantly benefit the association, especially in its ability to attract top talent by offering more competitive salaries.
“We observed that privately owned teams held a distinct edge,” explained Mr. Paul-Hus. “For instance, some players were drawn to Winnipeg simply because it was privately owned. Recognizing this, we knew that if Montreal’s team remained under league ownership, we could still field a strong team, but certain limitations would persist.By shifting to private ownership, we’ve removed those barriers.”
“Our goal is to establish Montreal as a premier destination for players. We aim to make this city the top choice, where athletes are eager to join us over other teams,” he continued.
Enhancing the fan Experience
Beyond improving on-court performance,the new owners are committed to elevating the overall experience for fans attending home games. One of the first priorities, according to Mr. Paul-Hus, is upgrading the Verdun Auditorium’s sound system, which has reportedly been a frequent source of complaints.
“Under league ownership, budgets were tighter, which limited what we could do. Now, we’re ready to allocate the necessary resources to address this issue and ensure a better experience for everyone,” he assured.
The ownership group also plans to host high-profile events to raise the team’s profile and demonstrate its rightful place in Montreal’s vibrant sports scene, alongside established teams like the Canadiens, Alouettes, Victoire, and CF Montreal.
“We’re determined to step out of the shadows,” emphasized Léo Bouisson. “We want to stand shoulder to shoulder with the city’s other teams, earning the same level of respect and recognition.”
PHOTO FRANÇOIS ROY, THE PRESS
Léo Bouisson
“Fans can expect some visible changes, while other transformations will happen behind the scenes. However,one thing is certain: the team’s identity is set to evolve,” stated Joel Anthony.
Alongside introducing its new ownership group, the Alliance revealed that it has extended its agreement with the Verdun Auditorium, securing the venue until the end of 2026. The team is scheduled to kick off its 2025 season in May, hosting 12 home games throughout the campaign.
