At least 15 groups have filed applications to buy the Ottawa Senators, NHL commissioner says
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman says more than a dozen groups have filed applications to buy the Ottawa Senators, and potential buyers will submit their bids soon to purchase the NHL club.
Bettman provided an update on the process to sell the Senators and Canadian Tire Centre ahead of Saturday's NHL All-Star Game in Florida.
"There are 15 or more people or groups of people who have filed applications, the data room was open and my guess is at some point in the next few weeks or so there will be a preliminary cut based on preliminary bids," Bettman said.
The board of directors for Senators Sports and Entertainment announced in November it was initiating the process for selling the club, retaining New York-based bank Galatioto Sports Partners to oversee the sale.
Galatioto Sports Partners opened a due-diligence website last month, allowing bidders that signed a non-disclosure agreement to view the Senators finances as part of the sale process.
The Senators said in November that a condition of any sale will be that the team remains in Ottawa. On Saturday, Bettman repeated that the Senators will remain in Ottawa, but the new owners will have a chance to move the team to LeBreton Flats.
"I want to be clear that whoever buys this club is doing so to keep it in Ottawa; so I say that so there is no speculation on the point," Bettman said.
"And there may be a great opportunity to take the team downtown to LeBreton Flats which I think makes this an even more exciting opportunity to own a team in the nation's capital."
Actor Ryan Reynolds has expressed an interest in being part of a group buying the Ottawa Senators. Other people reportedly interested in buying the club include Toronto businessman Michael Andlauer, Toronto-based brothers Jeffrey and Michael Kimel and Farm Boy co-CEO Jeff York.
LEBRETON FLATS
The head of the National Capital Commission said last month he's optimistic a long-term lease will be finalized with the Senators for an arena at LeBreton Flats this fall, even with the franchise up for sale.
NCC CEO Tobi Nussbaum said "conversations and the process continues" with the Senators senior management team.
Last June, the NCC announced it reached a memorandum of understanding with a consortium led by the Senators to build an arena surrounded by mixed-use development on the six-acre parcel of land west of downtown Ottawa.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.