Lions Sign Wally and Skulsky To Extension

The BC Lions Football Club is pleased to announce that team president and CEO Dennis Skulsky along with VP of football operations and GM Wally Buono have signed contract extensions through end of the 2016 season.

“The foundation of any successful organization comes from its ability to preserve continuity among its leadership,” said Lions owner David Braley. “The efforts of Dennis and Wally have not only created a winning culture, they have also enabled our organization to expand its role in the community. Under their leadership, the BC Lions brand is stronger and I’m pleased to have them leading the way in years to come.”

Skulsky, who had been a founding member of the Waterboys business ambassadors group a decade ago, became the club’s 29th president in 2010. In just the past three seasons, the former CEO of Canwest Publishing has overseen the Lions’ return to a refurbished BC Place as well as staging the very successful 2011 Grey Cup which the Lions won to claim their sixth championship. This past offseason, Dennis took a lead role in the CFL’s negotiation of a historic television deal with TSN and secured the rights to host the 2014 Grey Cup.

“It’s been a pleasure and a privilege to work alongside David, Wally, Mike and our entire staff,” said Skulsky. “As we enter our club’s historic 60th season, I continue to be amazed at our loyal and supportive fan base and when you combine that with David’s 17 years of inspiring ownership and Wally’s expertise on the football end, I believe the future of the BC Lions and the Canadian Football League has never been brighter.”

For Wally Buono, his extension comes after one of his most active winters as GM, signing quarterback Travis Lulay and linebacker Adam Bighill to contract extensions while re-securing the services of Most Outstanding Lineman Jovan Olafioye, linebacker Solomon Elimimian and receiver Emmanuel Arceneaux to name just a few.

“Wally’s ability to keep our team among the very best in the league is a testament to his expertise, experience and passion.” said Skulsky. “It’s our goal to be the Pride of All BC and that is something that I know Wally takes to heart. Over the past 10 years, he and his family have embraced this community and made it their home. His passion for football and building championship teams is unmatched, and I am thrilled to have Wally leading our efforts on the field.”

Buono, now in his 11th season with the Lions, has stocked the club with talented and dynamic players who have propelled the Leos to 10 straight playoff appearances, seven Western Final appearances, three trips to the Grey Cup and two championship titles.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to work with coach Mike Benevides to build teams we can be proud of and our fans can be excited about supporting,” said Buono. “David and Dennis have been tremendously supportive and I am very excited to continue doing what I love to do each day.”