BB Riverboats Will Acquire Newport Syndicate
The venue will remain operational under new leadership starting in early 2027.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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BB Riverboats will officially assume ownership and operations of the Newport Syndicate on January 1, 2027. The transition follows the retirement of current owner Sharon Forton after 31 years of business.
Why it matters
The change in ownership marks the end of a three-decade era for the event venue while ensuring that all existing commitments for the coming years remain honored under the new operator.
Current owner Sharon Forton has operated the Newport Syndicate for a total of 31 years. BB Riverboats is set to take over all operations and existing event commitments starting on January 1, 2027.
The players
Sharon Forton
She is the longtime owner of the Newport Syndicate who is retiring after 31 years of managing the venue.
BB Riverboats
This local business is assuming the operations and event commitments of the Newport Syndicate beginning in 2027.
Newport Syndicate
This is a prominent event venue located in Newport that is transitioning to new ownership.
The details
The Newport Syndicate will continue to host events in its current spaces without disruption to scheduled programming. BB Riverboats has confirmed that it has reached out to all clients with bookings scheduled for 2027 and 2028 to verify the status of their events.
Timeline
Sharon Forton will conclude her 31-year tenure as owner at the end of 2026.
The final event under current ownership is scheduled for December 31, 2026.
BB Riverboats will officially assume venue operations on January 1, 2027.
Market Landscape
This move reflects a broader trend of consolidation among hospitality providers in Northern Kentucky as established players look to expand their event service capabilities. By absorbing the Newport Syndicate, BB Riverboats gains a significant foothold in the local market, positioning the firm to manage a wider array of events than it could previously facilitate alone.
Clients with existing bookings for 2027 and 2028 should see no changes to their scheduled event commitments under the new management. The venue will remain open for business, ensuring that local residents and event planners can continue to utilize the space as usual.
The takeaway
The transition represents a seamless handover that prioritizes continuity for those with future event plans. Clients should confirm the specific details of their event contracts directly with the new management following the January 1, 2027 transition date.
What happens next
The venue is scheduled to host a New Year's Eve party on December 31, 2026, marking the final major event under current ownership.
Further reading
For more updates on local business changes, visit our Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by LINK nky.
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Will the change in ownership keep this local venue a positive asset for the community?
