Braley was born in Montreal and raised in Hamilton, Ontario, where he attended McMaster University.

Braley began his business career with GMAC (now Ally Financial) in Hamilton, before joining London Life Insurance.

[8] In an effort to minimize the ensuing controversy, the league scheduled games between the Lions and Argonauts early in the season in order to avoid possible playoff implications.

He announced the sale of the Argonauts to Bell Media and Larry Tanenbaum on May 20, 2015, with the deal to close at the end of the year.

He further stated that, due to his position as a sports team owner, he would abstain from voting on the bill.

[3][4] Braley told the Hamilton Community News in September 2013 that "There are four people who are causing the problems for the other 100 senators" and "We are being tarred and feathered" as a result.

[13][19] In his will, Braley is reported to have left a considerable amount of money to the BC Lions organization with the intent that the team be funded for several seasons and be debt free when sold to its next owners.