The Minnesota Wild is a highly respected professional ice hockey team in the National Hockey League (NHL). Based in St. Paul, Minnesota, the team competes in the league’s Western Conference (Central Division) and has become one of the most beloved sports franchises in the region. Known for its passionate fan base and electrifying home atmosphere at the Xcel Energy Centre, the Minnesota Wild continues to make a strong impact both on the ice and in the community.
The Minnesota Wild is a privately owned NHL franchise headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota, USA. The team was founded in 2000, becoming one of the league’s newest expansion clubs at the time. Since its debut, the franchise has grown rapidly, earning respect because of its gritty playing style, strong defensive mindset, and consistent competitiveness.
The team plays home games at the Xcel Energy Centre, one of the most energetic arenas in the league. Over the years, the Wild has developed a loyal and devoted fan base, often referred to as the “State of Hockey.” The franchise has competed in the NHL playoffs multiple times and continues to be a strong contender in its division. As of 2024, the team is led by General Manager Bill Guerin and coached by John Hynes.
Some of Minnesota Wild’s most well-known players in recent years include Kirill Kaprizov, Mats Zuccarello, Joel Eriksson Ek, Matt Boldy, and Jonas Brodin. These athletes have helped shape the team’s modern identity, giving fans exciting offensive talent and dependable defensive play.
Ownership Status of Minnesota Wild
The Minnesota Wild does not have a single public or corporate owner. Instead, it is privately held and primarily controlled by a majority investor. The franchise is not publicly traded on any stock exchange; therefore, ownership shares are not open to the general public.
| Shareholder / Entity | Ownership Percentage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Craig Leipold | Majority Owner | Purchased the team in 2008 through Minnesota Sports & Entertainment |
| Minority Investors (Private) | Not publicly disclosed | Various private partners hold small stakes but details are not public |
The franchise is owned by Craig Leipold, a respected businessman and the principal governor of the team. Leipold holds ownership through his company, Minnesota Sports & Entertainment (MSE), which manages the Wild as well as several related sports and entertainment properties. He has been the face of Wild ownership for more than a decade and remains deeply committed to the organization.
Major Shareholder Craig Leipold
Craig Leipold became the owner of the Minnesota Wild in 2008, purchasing the team from its founding owner, Bob Naegele Jr. Leipold is well-known in the world of professional sports, having previously owned the Nashville Predators. His shift to Minnesota marked a major moment for the franchise, and under his leadership, the team has become stable, competitive, and financially strong.
Leipold is recognized for his enthusiastic involvement in the team’s operations. He is known for supporting long-term player development, investing in coaching staff, and strengthening the team’s facilities. Fans appreciate him for being an accessible and dedicated owner who regularly interacts with the community and expresses strong belief in the “State of Hockey” identity.
He has also played an important role in shaping the organization’s culture, focusing on teamwork, discipline, and growth. Under Craig Leipold’s ownership, the Wild have consistently remained in playoff contention and have secured top-tier talent such as Kirill Kaprizov and Mats Zuccarello.
Craig Leipold Net Worth
Craig Leipold is a successful American businessman with a significant presence in multiple industries. His estimated net worth is between $3 billion and $3.5 billion. Much of his wealth comes from his business ventures, including ownership stakes, investments, and his involvement in the sports industry.
Before the Minnesota Wild, Leipold made headlines for owning the Nashville Predators, which he operated from 1997 until 2007. He later sold that franchise and purchased the Minnesota Wild. His business empire extends across real estate, sports, and corporate investments, making him one of the wealthiest owners in the NHL.
Leipold’s strong financial background allows him to invest heavily in the Wild’s future, whether through player development, training facilities, management, or community-based programs. His commitment to Minnesota has made him a respected figure among fans and within the league.
Minnesota Wild Team Players
The Minnesota Wild roster features a mix of experienced veterans and rising young stars. This blend of talent contributes to the team’s competitive energy and fast-paced playing style. Some standout players include:
- Kirill Kaprizov – The team’s superstar forward and one of the NHL’s most exciting scorers. Kaprizov is known for his speed, creativity, and elite scoring ability.
- Mats Zuccarello – A skilled playmaker who forms a powerful partnership with Kaprizov on offense.
- Joel Eriksson Ek – A strong two-way center known for his defensive abilities and physical play.
- Matt Boldy – A talented young forward who has quickly become one of the team’s top offensive contributors.
- Jonas Brodin – A steady, reliable defenseman known for his speed and shutting down opposing players.
- Jared Spurgeon – Team captain and respected leader, known for his calm and consistent play on defense.
The Wild’s roster is built around a balance of scoring depth, defensive discipline, and physical presence on the ice. With strategic leadership from the front office and coaching staff, the team continues to aim for long-term success and deeper playoff runs.
Recent Ownership Developments
As of the most recent information available, there have been no major ownership changes involving the Minnesota Wild. Craig Leipold remains the controlling owner, and no public announcements have been made regarding the sale or restructuring of ownership stakes. The franchise continues to operate under Leipold’s direction through Minnesota Sports & Entertainment.
FAQs
1. Who owns the Minnesota Wild right now?
The team is owned by Craig Leipold, who has been the majority owner since 2008.
2. Is the Minnesota Wild publicly traded?
No, the Wild is privately owned and not listed on any stock exchange.
3. Who founded the Minnesota Wild?
The team was originally founded by Bob Naegele Jr., who served as the first principal owner when the franchise began in 2000.
4. Has the team been sold recently?
No. The Minnesota Wild remains under Craig Leipold’s ownership.
5. Who are the most important players on the team currently?
Some of the key players include Kirill Kaprizov, Joel Eriksson Ek, Matt Boldy, Jonas Brodin, and Mats Zuccarello.
Minnesota Wild Official Website
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