The Hamilton Sports Group Foundation has released its 2025 Community Impact Report, providing insight into the charitable endeavours of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and their Canadian Premier League counterparts, Forge FC.
According to the report, the two organizations, which are owned and operated by the Hamilton Sports Group (HSG), raised a combined $502,601 last year in support of community initiatives. 268,106 pounds of food were also donated in support of Hamilton Food Share.
“Few things unite a community like sport,” HSG president and chief operating officer Matt Afinec said in a statement. “This report reflects the incredible work done by our players, staff, partners and volunteers who show up for Hamilton every day. Together we are building a stronger, more connected community through football, soccer and the power of sport.”
The Tiger-Cats were credited with hosting or attending 220 separate events, amounting to 798 hours spent in the community. The events took place across Hamilton, the County of Brant, Haldimand County, and Niagara Region, engaging 26,110 people.
Forge FC took part in 114 events, spending 180 hours and engaging 16,899 people.
Key initiatives included the Hamilton Sports Group’s partnership with Autism Ontario, Tiger-Cats Flag Football Classic, FirstOn the Field Flag Football, the High School Mentorship Program presented by Stelco, Fit with Forge, FirstOntario BeFit school visits and Hearts in the Huddle. HSG partnered with organizations such as CAMH Foundation, McMaster Children’s Hospital, Food 4 Kids, Interval House of Hamilton and local school boards to support programs addressing mental health awareness, food insecurity, gender-based violence prevention, and youth wellness.
“The power of sport extends far beyond the scoreboard,” Hamilton Sports Group Foundation chairman Glenn Gibson wrote. “When we create opportunities for young people to participate, connect and feel supported, we can make a lasting difference in their lives and in our community.”
Hamilton Sports Group was formed in 2022 and owns the Tiger-Cats, Forge FC, and a master license agreement with Hamilton Stadium. The group includes Bob Young, Hamilton-based company Stelco, Scott Mitchell, Jim Lawson, Marwan Hage, and Angelo Paletta. Young is the chair and largest single shareholder, while Mitchell serves as managing partner.
The full report can be read by clicking here.
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats added several talented players in free agency, including quarterback Tre Ford, receiver Kurleigh Gittens Jr., linebacker Wynton McManis, and returner Mario Alford. The team’s key departures included running back Greg Bell (Ottawa Redblacks), receiver Tim White (Winnipeg Blue Bombers), offensive lineman Coulter Woodmansey (Edmonton Elks), and defensive back DaShaun Amos (Toronto Argonauts).
The Tiger-Cats hold the fifth overall pick in the 2026 CFL Draft, which is scheduled for Tuesday, April 28 at 7:00 p.m. EDT. All CFL training camps are scheduled to open on May 10. Hamilton will play its first preseason game against the Toronto Argonauts on Saturday, May 23, and its first regular-season game against the Montreal Alouettes on Thursday, June 4.
In 2025, Hamilton finished first in the East Division standings with an 11-7 record, though the team lost the East Final to the Montreal Alouettes.
