Washington Capitals Owner

The Washington Capitals are an NHL team based in Washington, D.C., playing in the Metropolitan Division of the Eastern Conference. Founded in 1974, the team plays at Capital One Arena in downtown Washington.

After an early struggle, the Capitals improved in the 1980s, becoming playoff contenders with players like Mike Gartner and Rod Langway. They won their first Stanley Cup in 2018 and have two Conference Championships and 13 Division Championships. As of the 2023-2024 season, they have qualified for the playoffs 34 times. The team is affiliated with the Hershey Bears (AHL) and South Carolina Stingrays (ECHL).

Washington Capitals Owners

Ted Leonsis is the principal owner of the Washington Capitals, as per Monumental Sports. He is the founder, chairman, managing partner, and CEO of Monumental Sports & Entertainment, which owns the Capitals along with the Washington Wizards, Washington Mystics, Capital City Go-Go, and Wizards District Gaming.

He also owns Capital One Arena, the Capitals' training facility MedStar Capitals Iceplex, and several other sports and event venues. Monumental Sports Network, which broadcasts Capitals games locally, is also under his ownership. Leonsis holds leadership roles on multiple sports league boards and is involved in venture capital, media, and philanthropy.

Read More: Washington Capitals Arena

How much did Ted Leonsis buy the Washington Capitals for?

Ted Leonsis bought the Washington Capitals in 1999 for $85 million, as per Barron’s. He bought the team from Abe Pollin, who at the time also owned the NBA’s Washington Wizards (then known as the Washington Bullets).

At the time of the sale, Leonsis was an executive at America Online (AOL). He was a longtime Capitals season ticket holder before becoming an owner. He initially bought a minority stake in the Capitals but had the right to eventually become majority owner, which he did over time.

Leonsis formed Monumental Sports & Entertainment in 2010 and later acquired full control of the Wizards, the Capitals, the WNBA’s Mystics, and Capital One Arena. The Capitals have since grown significantly in value, estimated in 2024 to be worth around $2.5 billion.