Mario Lemieux might be instrumental in revitalizing Pittsburgh hockey. According to The Athletic, the Penguins legend and Hockey Hall of Famer is part of a group keen on reacquiring ownership of the Penguins. The report notes that former co-owner Ron Burkle and ex-CEO Dave Morehouse, who now advises the Pittsburgh Steelers, are involved as Lemieux explores the possibility of purchasing the team back from Fenway Sports Group (FSG), which took over in 2021.
FSG has signaled openness to bringing in minority investors, but Lemieux’s group is reportedly looking into financial avenues to potentially regain control of the franchise. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman is said to acknowledge their interest in returning to an ownership role with the Penguins. The team’s valuation ranges between $1.47 billion and $1.75 billion, with Lemieux’s group hopeful that FSG might accept reasonable offers, especially considering the Penguins’ recent struggles on ice and declining ticket sales, which were at 91.4% capacity last season.
At 59 years old, Lemieux remains the most iconic figure in Penguins history, having led the team to consecutive Stanley Cup championships in 1991 and 1992. Despite battling cancer and briefly retiring at age 31, his legacy as one of hockey’s greatest players was firmly cemented. Lemieux’s interest in the Penguins reportedly grew soon after his retirement when the team faced bankruptcy and the threat of relocation or folding. He made a comeback in 2000, guiding the Penguins to an unexpected run to the Eastern Conference Finals. Before that, he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1997.
Lemieux’s final playing season coincided with Sidney Crosby’s rookie year, and in 2009, under Lemieux’s ownership, Crosby led the team to its first Stanley Cup win of three championships. However, since Lemieux’s group sold the franchise to FSG four years ago, the Penguins have experienced a downturn. Pittsburgh missed the playoffs in 2023 after a run of consistent postseason appearances from 2007 to 2022, recording their lowest point total in an 82-game season since 2005-2006.
Fan Take: This potential buyback by Mario Lemieux is exciting news for hockey fans who cherish the Penguins’ golden era under his leadership. It signals hope for the franchise’s return to prominence and could reignite passion and success in Pittsburgh hockey, impacting the NHL by restoring one of its most storied teams.
