The Tampa Bay Lightning have initiated a multistage sale process that is expected to value the franchise at nearly $2 billion, according to sources reported by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.
Though the transaction has not yet been finalized, Doug Ostrover, cofounder and co-CEO of Blue Owl Capital, is reportedly the potential buyer. Ostrover’s net worth is estimated at $2.8 billion, according to Forbes.
Current owner Jeff Vinik is expected to retain a significant ownership stake and will maintain full control of the franchise for several more years as part of the new ownership structure.
“We are in discussions to further expand our ownership group of the Tampa Bay Lightning,” Vinik stated, as reported by Eduardo Encina of the Tampa Bay Times. “There will be no change in the day-to-day operations of the Lightning and Vinik Sports Group. I am very excited about what is to come for the organization, and we look forward to sharing more when the time is right.”
Vinik acquired the Lightning in 2010 for $170 million and has since led the team to two Stanley Cup championships, with two additional appearances in the final.
In December 2023, Forbes valued the Lightning at $1.25 billion, ranking them as the 13th most valuable team in the NHL.
