Chris Samuel
The Ottawa Senators, a National Hockey League franchise, have recently been sold in a deal exceeding $950 million, marking a significant change for the team. Toronto-based businessman Michael Andlauer has emerged as the new owner, securing 90 percent ownership of the Senators. However, the sale disappoints prominent bidders, including West Coast rap legend Snoop Dogg and The Weeknd, who had expressed interest in becoming the first Black owners of an NHL team.
The Ottawa Senators, a Canadian ice hockey team based in Ottawa, Ontario, have changed ownership. Toronto businessman Michael Andlauer has acquired 90 percent ownership of the franchise in a deal valued at over $950 million.
The sale was announced by Senators Sports and Entertainment, with the remaining 10 percent still being held by the former majority owners, the Melnyk family. Adding Michael Andlauer as the new owner of the Ottawa Senators brings about a new era for the franchise.
Andlauer, a well-established figure in the Toronto business community, brings a wealth of experience and resources to the team. The deal is expected to provide the necessary stability and investment for the Senators to strengthen their position in the league and pursue success on the ice.
Snoop Dogg & The Weekend Miss Out
However, the sale of the Toronto-based team has garnered attention not only for the significant financial figures involved but also due to the notable bidders who missed out on ownership. Among these bidders were iconic West Coast rapper Snoop Dogg and R&B singer The Weeknd, who expressed interest in becoming the first Black owners of an NHL team.
Unfortunately for Snoop Dogg and The Weeknd, their bids were unsuccessful, and the opportunity to make history in NHL ownership eluded them.
The sale of the Ottawa Senators to Michael Andlauer still awaits approval from the NHL’s Board of Governors. This regulatory step is crucial to finalize the transaction and ensure compliance with the league’s regulations and standards.
Updated by Chris Samuel on June 20th, 2023
Ottawa Senators Bid Down to Final Four, Snoop Dogg Sends Message
The bidding process for the NHL team Ottawa Senators has narrowed down to four groups as potential owners, which include Michael Andlauer, Jeffrey and Michael Kimel, Steve Apostolopoulos, and Neko Sparks. Approval from the NHL’s Board of Governors is required for the sale to proceed.
Ottawa Senators Potential Owners & Bids
The Ottawa Senators now have four potential owner groups: Michael Andlauer, Jeffrey & Michael Kimel, Steve Apostolopoulos, and Neko Sparks. Each group has submitted bids for the team, which is estimated to be valued at $800 million.
Notably, one of the groups went as high as $1B, showcasing the strong interest in acquiring the Senators.
Bidding Process & Review
The bidding process for the Ottawa Senators closed on May 15. The responsibility of combing over the bids falls on Galatioto Sports Partners– the New York-based banker overseeing the sale on behalf of the current owners, the Melnyk family.
The future owners must obtain the NHL’s Board of governors’ approval before the sale can be finalized.
Ryan Reynolds’ Group Withdrawal
Ryan Reynolds and his group recently withdrew from the bidding process after their request for an exclusive negotiating window was rejected. This development alters the landscape of the bid, leaving the final four groups vying for ownership of the team.
Snoop Dogg’s Message
In a video posted on his social media, wearing an Ottawa Senators jersey, Snoop urged support for the bid, emphasizing the goal of encouraging more Black people to watch hockey. He also thanked the First Nations of Canada for joining Neko Sparks in the bid.
Updated By: Chris Samuel (5/16/23)
The Weeknd Joins Bidding War For NHL Franchise Ottawa Senators
The Weeknd has reportedly joined a group led by Toronto billionaire Kimel brothers to bid on the NHL franchise, the Ottawa Senators. The bid is up against other celebrities such as Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds and rap legend Snoop Dogg.
Updated By: Chris Samuel (5/9/23 at 6:25 pm)
The Weeknd Joins Ottawa Senators’ Bid
Chart-topping R&B singer The Weeknd, who recently earned his fifth diamond certification, has joined the bid to purchase the Ottawa Senators. The “Earned It” singer is reportedly a hockey fan and grew up in Toronto, where hockey is widely popular.
The bid is up against other celebrities such as Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds and rap legend Snoop Dogg, who joined Los Angeles businessman Neko Sparks is hoping to purchase the Senators.
The bid deadline is May 15, with the price to acquire the team expected to reach up to $1 billion.
The Ottawa Senators are not the first sports investment for celebrities. For example, legendary West Coast rapper, actor, and director Ice Cube has found success outside his acting and rap career. His sports league, BIG3, is now the first Black-owned professional sports league.
Snoop Dogg Joins Bid To Buy NHL Team Ottawa Senators
Rapper and entrepreneur Snoop Dogg has teamed up with Los Angeles businessman and film producer Neko Sparks to make a bid for the National Hockey League team Ottawa Senators. Snoop took to social media to express his interest in bringing hockey to his community. According to Forbes, the Senators are estimated to be worth $800 million.
Snoop Dogg has expressed his desire to bring hockey to his community and has joined businessman Neko Sparks in making a bid for the NHL team Ottawa Senators. The rapper took to his Instagram to announce his interest in owning the team, stating that he believes hockey should be more accessible to everyone.
Neko Sparks To Become First Black Owner In NHL History
Los Angeles businessman and film producer Neko Sparks is set to become the first Black owner in NHL history if his bid for the Ottawa Senators is successful. Sparks have produced several films, including The X Series, The Woods, and Chosen Kin Origins: New Breed. He has partnered with Snoop Dogg in this bid to bring diversity to NHL ownership.
Canadian movie star Ryan Reynolds has also been linked to a bid for the Ottawa Senators. Reynolds has been seen as a potential partner in the ownership group. However, no confirmation has been made regarding his involvement.
Snoop Dogg’s Other Business Endeavors
Aside from his interest in buying the Ottawa Senators, Snoop has been busy with other business endeavors. He recently returned Death Row’s catalog to streaming and is also going on tour with Wiz Khalifa this summer. Additionally, Snoop and Master P have become owners of the first Black-owned cereal brand, Snoop Cereal.
The Rise of Black-Owned Sports
Snoop Dogg and Neko Sparks’ bid for the Ottawa Senators aligns with a broader trend of Black entrepreneurs owning sports teams and leagues. Yo Gotti’s ownership of D.C United, a Major League Soccer team, further exemplifies this trend.
Originally Written By: Chris Samuel (5/2/23 at 12:00 pm)
