When Jeff Vinik bought the Tampa Bay Lightning back in 2010, few would have believed the story that was about to unfold. Over a decade later, his majority stake is no more.
Vinik undoubtedly revolutionized the Bolts’ fortunes. He took over a team in disarray, with its previous owners running out of money. Since his $170 million purchase, the Lightning have become a premier NHL franchise. Over this time, the Bolts’ crowning achievement was their back-to-back Stanley Cup wins in 2020 and 2021 — an achievement matched only once in the 21st century.
The Vinik Sports Group also controls the lease at Amalie Arena, and has frequently upgraded the venue during Vinik’s tenure, not to mention the owner’s philanthropic efforts across Tampa Bay.
Now, his majority stake in the team will go to Wall Street investors Doug Ostrover and Marc Lipschultz, who will hope to write a similar chapter in Lightning history. However, Vinik will maintain control over the team’s operations until late 2027.
