TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa Bay Lightning owner Jeff Vinik is working to sell his majority stake in the team, according to multiple reports.
The potential deal, which isn't finalized, is said to be $2 billion, according to Sportsnet. The outlet was the first to report the news. Later on Tuesday, the Tampa Bay Times said it received a statement from Vinik confirming the "discussions."
“I can confirm that we are in discussions to further expand our ownership group of the Tampa Bay Lightning,” Vinik reportedly said in a statement to the 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.”
Sportsnet reported that co-founder and CEO of investment firm Blue Owl Capital, Doug Ostrover is believed to be the buyer.
If the deal goes through, the Times reports that Vinik will still have full operational control of the Lightning for at least several upcoming seasons. And, even with a new majority owner, the Times said Vinik would keep a large stake in the new ownership group and "remain highly involved" with the team.
According to Sportsnet, Vinik bought the Lightning in 2010 for a reported $170 million.
Since Vinik took over majority ownership of the Lightning, the Bolts have become one of the most successful NHL teams in recent history. Since 2015, the team has reportedly appeared in the conference finals six times and made four appearances in the Stanley Cup Finals. They won two of those back-to-back in 2020 and 2021.