Lightning Valued Near $2 Billion In Ownership Sale – Hockey Writers – NHL News

According to multiple sources, including Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, Tampa Bay Lightning owner Jeff Vinik is close to selling part of the franchise. Although the deal has not yet been finalized, it is reportedly close to a $2 billion valuation. It was also emphasized that the agreement would not involve any immediate change in day-to-day operations. The reported investor is believed to be Doug Ostrover, founder and CEO of Blue Owl Capital, which is estimated to be worth around $2.7 billion.

Since Vinik took ownership in 2010, Tampa Bay’s net worth has reportedly increased from $170 million. This is largely due to the growth of the NHL and the recent success of the team that received two Stanley Cups in Tampa Bay in the last five seasons (2020, 2021), and an appearance in the Cup finals in 2022.

The Lightning may not have the most promising future, especially after losing franchise icon Steven Stamkos to the Nashville Predators this offseason, but there is reason for hope. 29-year-old Jake Guentzel has been a big part of this offseason, Nikita Kucherov is still one of the best players in the NHL, and Andrei Vasilevskiy is ready to play again thanks to his perfect health.

Negotiations are ongoing, and no details have been finalized. The most recent purchase of an NHL franchise was this year when Ryan Smith purchased the Utah Hockey Club in a $1.2 billion deal.