The St. Louis Blues have announced a small change to their ownership group. Michael Riney now owns a small part of the Blues.
Blues Announce Ownership Change
#stlblues announced a small change in the ownership group: David Steward, an original member since 2012, has completed a transfer of his stake to Michael Riney.
According to league sources, the stake is less than 5%.
Riney is a St. Louisan, so the group remains entirely local.
— Jeremy Rutherford (@jprutherford) July 18, 2024
David Steward, an original member of Chairman Tom Stillman’s group that purchased the Blues in 2012, has completed the transfer of his partial ownership stake to Riney. Despite, the transfer, the Blues ownership is structure is still local. Riley has lived in St. Louis his entire life.
“Dave Steward was a key member of the St. Louis-based ownership group that we assembled in 2012,” said Stillman. “His support has been steadfast ever since, and we are grateful for Dave’s commitment to the Blues and to St. Louis. We are pleased to welcome Michael Riney to our ownership group. Like all members of the group, Michael has a passion for the Blues and a strong commitment to St. Louis. The rest of the group will remain the same as we work toward a successful 2024-25 season.”
Riney is the Founder and Managing Director of QRM Capital. QRM Capital focuses on private investments and philanthropic endeavors in the St. Louis region. Furthermore, Michael serves on the boards of Washington University, the Danforth Plant Science Center, and the Missouri Botanical Garden.
Donn Lux, Jerald Kent, James Cooper, Jo Ann Taylor Kindle, Steve Maritz, Edward Potter, Andrew Taylor, James Kavanaugh, John Danforth, Christopher Danforth, Jim Johnson III, Scott McCuaig, John Ross, Jr., and Tom Schlafly are the others in the ownership structure.
The Stillman Era Has Been Succesful
Stillman bought the Blues in May of 2012. In the 12 seasons under Stillman, the Blues have made the playoffs in all but three seasons. Furthermore, the Blues have reached the Western Conference Final twice. In 2019, the Blues won their first Stanley Cup in team history.
In addition to the playoff success, the Blues have been part of some big moments in the regular season. The Blues played in their first Winter Classic in 2017, hosting the game at Busch Stadium. They also played in the 2022 Winter Classic in Minnesota. The Blues will play in their third Winter Classic this season. In that game, they will renew their rivalry with the Chicago Blackhawks. Futhermore, the Blues were chosen to host the 2020 All-Star Game. The Blues had four players represent the host team.
The Stillman era has been a success in more ways the one. Despite the recent struggles, there is hope that brighter days will be ahead for the franchise.
Main Photo: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
