According to TSN’s Bob McKenzie, Pittsburgh Penguins owners Ron Burkle and Mario Lemieux are exploring the option of selling the Penguins franchise, or part of it.
Pittsburgh Penguins potentially for sale. Details here: http://t.co/tx969HujjP #TSN
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 3, 2015
McKenzie reports that it may be Lemieux that wants to sell his equity more than Burkle, but the two remain interested in retaining some responsibilities and connection to the franchise. While there is no official word yet, Burkle and Lemieux have hired Morgan Stanley to assist them in going through their options and deciding on if a sale if the right choice. Morgan Stanley is the same company that worked with Terry Pegula in buying ownership of the Buffalo Sabres. While some Penguins fans took to Twitter in response of McKenzie’s tweet showing concern of the possible sale, there is no indication that the franchise itself is relocating any time soon, much like the case of the Sabres sale. However, others took a more humorous approach to the situation, beginning to bid on the team, while another fan appeared displeased with the news, begging Mario not to sell his shares.
@TSNBobMcKenzie i bid 5 dolla — Aaron Shepherdson (@REDEarth911) June 3, 2015
.@TSNBobMcKenzie @penguins i will start the bidding at 20,000 bob
— #FolignoTHECaptain (@ForJacketsFans) June 3, 2015
“@TSNBobMcKenzie: Pittsburgh Penguins potentially for sale. Details here: http://t.co/E4QsKYfhAn #TSN” WHAT THE? Don’t sell Mario — Sports Fanatic (@ryan_the_great) June 3, 2015
We’re sure it will cost more than some pocket change. More details are expected to coming in the following weeks.
Main Photo: Owner Mario Lemieux, defenceman Sergei Gonchar and centre Evgeni Malkin celebrate the Pittsburgh Penguins 2009 Stanley Cup Victory, following their game seven win over the Detroit Red Wings (Getty Images/NHL Collection).
