The group trying to land a CFL franchise for Halifax says singer-songwriter Tom Cochrane has confirmed his intention to invest in the newly named Atlantic Schooners.

A short statement from the ownership group says the Manitoba-born Cochrane, a multiple Juno Award winner, has been a long-time friend of Bruce Bowser, one of the group's founding partners.

The statement followed an earlier tweet by CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie.

A photo shows Ambrosie with his arms around Cochrane and Bowser with the caption: "With TWO members of the Atlantic Schooners ownership group."

The drive to land a team cleared a major hurdle in October after Halifax Regional Council directed city staff to do a business case analysis of the group's stadium proposal.

A fan contest that was part of a season ticket drive chose the name Atlantic Schooners, which was revealed during an event held at last month's Grey Cup festivities in Edmonton.