TAMPA, Fla. – Jeff Vinik, Chairman and Governor of the Tampa Bay Lightning, and Vinik Sports Group have finalized the sale of a portion of the franchise to an investor group led by Doug Ostrover and Marc Lipschultz. The transaction, approved by the NHL Board of Governors on October 1st, 2024, brings significant new resources and expertise to the organization.
Vinik will retain controlling ownership and continue as the team’s Governor for the next three years, ensuring a smooth transition.
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A newly formed Board of Directors, including Vinik, Ostrover, and Lipschultz, will guide the strategic direction of the organization. After three years, Ostrover and Lipschultz will assume controlling ownership, with Vinik remaining an active ownership partner and Alternate Governor.
“Since 2010, we have focused on building the Lightning into a world-class organization, and now we’ve found world-class partners who share in our mission of being a community-first organization,” said Vinik. “Doug and Marc share my commitment to providing the Lightning with all the resources they need to excel and are excited to become part of the Tampa Bay community. I’m confident that together, with the ongoing leadership of Steve Griggs and Julien BriseBois, this organization will continue to find success.”
This new ownership structure is not expected to impact day-to-day operations. Steve Griggs will remain CEO and Vice Chairman of Vinik Sports Group and the Tampa Bay Lightning, while Julien BriseBois will continue as General Manager. Both will also serve as Alternate Governors with the NHL.
Vinik expressed confidence in the new partnership, highlighting the shared commitment to community engagement and organizational excellence. Ostrover echoed this sentiment, praising the Lightning’s strong management and expressing enthusiasm for contributing to the team’s continued success.
“The Tampa Bay Lightning is one of the most respected and well-managed franchises across all of sports and that’s thanks to Jeff Vinik and his incredible team,” added Doug Ostrover. “Their commitment to excellence on-and-off the ice is one that we share. We look forward to embracing the Tampa Bay community and partnering with Jeff to build on the team’s success and championship legacy. We are excited to be a part of a League with such incredible growth and momentum.”
Since acquiring the Lightning in 2010, Vinik has overseen a period of remarkable success for the franchise, both on and off the ice. The team has won two Stanley Cups and has been a leader in community engagement through initiatives like the Lightning Community Heroes program.
This new ownership partnership aims to build on this legacy and ensure the continued success of the Tampa Bay Lightning for years to come.
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