The Florida Panthers are a professional ice hockey team based in Sunrise, Florida, a part of the Miami metropolitan area. They compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference. The franchise was founded in 1993 and quickly became a vital part of South Florida’s sports culture.
The Panthers were originally awarded on December 10, 1992, and began play during the 1993–94 NHL season. Over the years, the team has built a strong fan base and achieved several successful playoff runs, including a memorable appearance in the Stanley Cup Final.
As of 2025, the current owner and Governor of the Florida Panthers is Vincent J. Viola, a well-known businessman and philanthropist. Under his ownership, the Panthers have focused on building both a competitive roster and a strong community presence.
Ownership Status of the Florida Panthers
Unlike many sports franchises with multiple institutional owners, the Florida Panthers are privately owned. The team is controlled by Vincent J. Viola through his company Sunrise Sports & Entertainment, which serves as the holding entity for the franchise.
There is no single corporate group or public trading of the team’s shares — the ownership is consolidated and led by Viola himself. This gives him full authority over financial, operational, and management decisions for the franchise.
Viola purchased the Panthers in September 2013, marking a significant turning point in the team’s history. His goal was to restore competitiveness and stability to the franchise, both on and off the ice.
About the Owner – Vincent J. Viola
Vincent J. Viola is an American billionaire businessman, military veteran, and philanthropist. He is best known as the Founder and Chairman of Virtu Financial, a global electronic trading firm based in New York.
A graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Viola also holds a law degree from New York Law School. His career reflects a blend of military service, entrepreneurship, and civic leadership. Before his involvement with the Panthers, he was deeply connected to the world of finance and national defense.
When Viola purchased the Florida Panthers in 2013, he promised to build a “world-class organization” that would bring pride to the community and return the team to playoff contention. Since then, his leadership has transformed the franchise into one of the most stable and ambitious NHL teams.
Vincent J. Viola Net Worth
In addition to the Panthers, Viola has also served in high-level government and advisory roles. In 2017, he was briefly nominated by the U.S. President for the position of Secretary of the Army, although he later withdrew from consideration.
As of 2025, Vincent J. Viola’s estimated net worth is approximately US $6.1 billion, making him one of the world’s wealthier individuals. His wealth largely stems from his founding of the electronic‑trading firm Virtu Financial and his tenure as chairman of the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX), combined with his ownership of the Florida Panthers NHL franchise. While different sources report slightly varying figures (some earlier estimates quoted values in the $3–5 billion range), the most current and widely cited number is around US $6.1 billion.
Major Shareholders
The Florida Panthers are primarily owned by Vincent J. Viola, who holds the controlling interest. However, he has been supported by key business partners and minority shareholders who play secondary roles in management and investment.
| Shareholder / Entity | Ownership Percentage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vincent J. Viola | Majority / Controlling Stake | Owner, Chairman, and Governor of the franchise. |
| Douglas Cifu | Minority Stakeholder | CEO of Virtu Financial, served as Panthers’ Vice Chairman. (Suspended in 2025 for online misconduct.) |
Although there are small minority stakes, Viola remains the ultimate decision-maker for the franchise.
History of Ownership
The Florida Panthers were originally founded by H. Wayne Huizenga, a Florida-based businessman and sports mogul who also owned the Miami Dolphins and Florida Marlins. Huizenga was the team’s first owner, credited for bringing the NHL to South Florida in the early 1990s.
In 2001, ownership shifted to Alan Cohen, who controlled the team until 2009, when it was sold to Cliff Viner and a group of investors. Under Viner’s leadership, the team focused on rebuilding and expanding its fan base.
Finally, in 2013, Vincent Viola purchased the team, bringing a new era of financial stability and growth. Under his ownership, the team has modernized operations, invested in analytics, and emphasized both on-ice performance and community involvement.
Recent Developments in Ownership
In May 2025, a notable incident occurred involving Douglas Cifu, a minority owner and Vice Chairman of the Panthers. The NHL suspended Cifu following inappropriate social media activity. Although this created temporary headlines, the incident did not affect Viola’s control or the stability of the franchise.
Beyond that, there have been no major ownership changes since Viola’s acquisition in 2013. The team continues to be run by Viola’s family and executive partners, emphasizing professionalism, transparency, and long-term competitiveness.
Under Viola’s leadership, the Panthers have made significant progress both on and off the ice, including increased attendance, community initiatives, and consistent playoff appearances.
FAQs
1. Who owns the Florida Panthers in 2025?
The Florida Panthers are owned by Vincent J. Viola, who has been the team’s principal owner since 2013.
2. Is the Florida Panthers team publicly traded?
No. The team is privately owned through Viola’s company, Sunrise Sports & Entertainment, and is not listed on any stock exchange.
3. Who founded the Florida Panthers?
The franchise was founded by H. Wayne Huizenga in 1993, who was also known for founding Blockbuster Video and owning other major sports teams in Florida.
4. Has the ownership changed recently?
No major changes have occurred. The last significant ownership transition happened in 2013 when Vincent Viola acquired the team. Since then, he has maintained majority control.
5. What other businesses does Vincent Viola own?
Viola is the Founder and Chairman of Virtu Financial, one of the leading firms in high-frequency trading and financial technology. He has also owned and invested in several energy and defense-related ventures.
The Florida Panthers have experienced a steady and transformative journey since their inception in 1993. Under the leadership of Vincent J. Viola, the franchise has achieved both financial stability and on-ice success. His military discipline, business acumen, and passion for sports have guided the team toward becoming one of the most respected franchises in the NHL.
From their founding by Wayne Huizenga to Viola’s ownership today, the Panthers’ story represents the growth of hockey in South Florida and the power of dedicated leadership. As of 2025, the team continues to thrive under Viola’s vision — committed to excellence, community engagement, and championship aspirations.
Florida Panthers Official Website
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