The transfer of ownership is still pending approval from the league’s Board of Directors, which is expected to seal the deal this month.
Silva is the managing member of the investment group that is interested in buying the team, with plans to invest in the franchise, enhance the experience for fans and to broaden the franchise's appeal across the New York metropolitan area. "We are deeply committed to our fans and our players," said Silva, president and chief operating officer of the 40-year-old, family-operated Chem Rx, which is headquartered at 750 Park Place in Long Beach and is the third largest long-term care pharmacy in the United States. "Our goal is to build a successful franchise and to win championships.
"We're thrilled to be working with the New York Dragons," he added.
"This is a life-long dream, to be part of a major sports franchise right here in New York. We're looking forward to approval by the AFL Board and implementing many creative ideas for the team's future success. Future announcements will be forthcoming, which should be very exciting for our fans."
Silva said he has spoken with Dragons Coach Weylan Harding and quarterback Aaron Garcia about the group's plans to build the franchise. "I'm very excited about the plans to take this franchise to the next level," said Harding. "The new ownership group shares my enthusiasm for this team and this sport, and I'm looking forward to seeing more New York sports fans getting involved in New York Dragons football." The team, which started out as the Des Moines, Iowa Barnstormers, was acquired in 2000 by a group led by Wang — who also owns the Islanders of the National Hockey League — and relocated to New York, where they began playing as the New York Dragons at Nassau Coliseum in 2001. The team will continue to play at the coliseum under the new ownership.
The Dragons have won three Eastern Division Championships and played in the AFL's National Conference playoffs in 2001, 2003, 2005, 2006 and 2008.
