Vinik will retain control as majority owner and there will be no change in the day-to-day operations of the Lightning and VSG. General Manager Julien BriseBois, along with VSG & Lightning CEO Steve Griggs, will both remain as Alternate Governors with the NHL.
"For over a decade, we have focused on building the Lightning into a world-class-plus organization, and the investment into the business by Arctos is validation of what we have accomplished," said Vinik. "We will continue our mission to be a community-first organization and ensure that the Lightning have all of the resources necessary to succeed on and off the ice. I am thrilled to welcome both Ian Charles and Doc O'Connor - the Managing Partners of Arctos - as investors into the back-to-back Stanley Cup Champions."
"We believe the Lightning is a best-in-class organization and that Jeff Vinik and his management team are exceptional leaders and operators" said Arctos Founder and Managing Partner Ian Charles. "We are excited to be partnering with Jeff and the Lightning as they continue executing on their vision of providing a world-class fan experience, pursuing growth opportunities that expand the business, and serving as stewards of the community asset that is the Lightning." Arctos Sports Partners works with world-class franchises and visionary ownership groups across the professional sports ecosystem with an emphasis on creating value through sport-specific operational expertise.
Vinik bought the Lightning in 2010 and relocated to Tampa, Florida with his wife Penny and their family. Under his leadership, the Bolts have reached organizational highs on and off the ice, winning back-to-back Stanley Cup Championships and granting more than $30 million in funding to local non-profits and causes through the Vinik Family Foundation and the Lightning Community Heroes program.
