Tampa Bay Lightning on the verge of being sold for record amount

Elliotte Friedman first revealed this major transaction, which involves Vinik selling a majority stake in the franchise to Doug Ostrover, a co-founder of Blue Owl Capital.

If finalized, this sale would set a new benchmark for NHL franchise valuations, far surpassing the previous record held by the Ottawa Senators, who were sold for less than $1 billion. The Lightning's transformation over the past decade-from a mid-tier franchise to a dominant team with multiple Stanley Cup championships-has significantly boosted their market value, making them the most expensive team in the league.

This potential sale could have broader implications for the NHL, potentially encouraging other franchise owners to invest more aggressively in their teams, aiming for similar financial returns. While not every owner plans to sell, this deal might serve as an incentive for those considering it, highlighting the financial rewards that can come from building a successful, competitive team.

As the sale nears completion, the final price and its impact on the NHL will be closely watched, potentially signalling a shift in how the league's franchises are valued and operated.

Source: MarkerZone News
Tampa Bay Lightning to be sold in multi-billion dollar record-breaking deal