"Even owner can see dark days ahead": NHL fans react to Tampa Bay Lightning's "delusional" $2 billion price tag for sale 

Fans have reacted as the Tampa Bay Lightning are close to being sold for around $2 billion, making it a major NHL transaction. Although the deal is in progress, it isn't finalized yet. Sources say there will be no immediate change in ownership or daily operations.

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman tweeted:

"Tampa Bay Lightning amidst sale process, valuing team at close to $2B."

NHL fans reacted:

"Delusional. Team isn’t worth 1 Billy," one fan said.

"Even their owner can see the dark days ahead.. smart business move," another fan commented.

"Move them to a real hockey market like Arizona," a fan tweeted.

Take a look at some more reactions from NHL fans on X:

"$2B isn’t enough. It should be higher but the greedy players keep demanding more money that they don’t deserve," one X user said.

"Ownership isn’t paying the best captain in franchise history and then selling the team? Sounds like ownerships pockets are thin," a fan commented.

"170M to 2B in ~14 years..wow. That’s a ~19% CAGR (correct me if my napkin math is off) gotta think the land development around the arena alongside the on ice success is a big reason for this new valuation," a fan tweeted.

Doug Ostrover, the CEO of Blue Owl Capital, is expected to be the buyer. His firm is successful, and his interest in the Lightning shows the rising value of NHL teams. Despite the potential sale, current owner Jeff Vinik will keep running the team for a few years. Vinik will also keep a significant ownership stake, ensuring stability.

Vinik bought the Lightning in 2010 for $170 million and turned their fortunes around both financially and on the ice. Under his ownership, the Lightning won back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021. The team's $2 billion valuation is now the highest in NHL history, surpassing the Ottawa Senators' $950 million sale.

Although the sale is not yet final, the high valuation shows the Tampa Bay Lightning's importance in the NHL and to the Tampa community.

---

NHL players from Tampa Bay Lightning in 2026 Winter Olympics

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan will include NHL players again, which is exciting for Tampa Bay Lightning fans.

Brayden Point is expected to represent Canada, and Victor Hedman will likely play for Sweden. Brandon Hagel's strong season makes him a good candidate for Canada too, while Mikey Eyssimont could join Team USA.

However, Nikita Kucherov and Andrei Vasilevskiy’s participation is uncertain due to Russia’s geopolitical issues. Nevertheless, the 2026 Winter Olympics will offer Tampa Bay Lightning fans a chance to see their favorite players compete for medals.