The New Jersey Devils are a professional ice hockey team based in Newark, New Jersey. They compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference. Known for their strong defensive legacy and multiple Stanley Cup wins, the Devils remain one of the most respected franchises in NHL history.
The team plays its home games at the Prudential Centre in Newark. The franchise was founded in 1974 as the Kansas City Scouts, moved to Colorado as the Rockies, and later relocated to New Jersey in 1982.
As of 2025, the team is owned by Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), and the CEO of HBSE is Scott O’Neil (leadership positions may evolve over time).
Ownership Status of New Jersey Devils
There is no single private owner of the New Jersey Devils. The franchise is owned by Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE) — a major sports ownership group run primarily by Josh Harris and David Blitzer.
Since the Devils are not publicly traded, the ownership is held privately through HBSE, which includes multiple institutional and individual limited partners.
Major Stakeholders (Owners)
| Owner / Entity | Ownership Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Josh Harris | Managing Partner | Co-founder of HBSE; billionaire investor. |
| David Blitzer | Managing Partner | Co-founder of HBSE; global private-equity investor. |
| HBSE Limited Partners | Minority Owners | Several private investors holding smaller ownership stakes. |
| Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment | Parent Ownership Group | Controls Devils and other major sports franchises. |
Note: HBSE owns the team collectively; exact percentages of limited partners are not publicly disclosed.
Key Shareholder Highlights
The ownership of the New Jersey Devils consists of powerful, high-profile investors:
- Josh Harris, co-founder of Apollo Global Management, is known for his long-term passive investment strategies and ownership in several sports teams, including the NFL’s Washington Commanders and the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers.
- David Blitzer, a senior executive at Blackstone, owns global soccer clubs and has become one of the most diversified sports owners worldwide.
- HBSE, the parent group, also manages the Prudential Center and multiple sports/entertainment properties.
Together, Harris and Blitzer lead one of the most valuable sports ownership empires, ensuring strong financial stability for the Devils.
Recent Developments in Ownership
Recent years have seen several updates within the HBSE structure:
- In 2022, HBSE optimized its portfolio by adding new limited partners.
- The ownership share of Josh Harris grew in influence when he purchased the Washington Commanders in 2023, but his role with HBSE and the Devils remains intact.
- David Blitzer has expanded into global football investments, providing HBSE with expanded international sports influence.
These developments show HBSE’s growing influence in the worldwide sports industry.
FAQs
1. Who owns the New Jersey Devils?
The Devils are owned by Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE).
2. Do Josh Harris and David Blitzer own the team personally?
They are the main managing partners of HBSE, which owns the team.
3. When did HBSE buy the Devils?
They purchased the franchise in 2013.
4. Is the team privately owned or publicly traded?
It is privately owned under the HBSE group.
5. How much did the ownership pay?
HBSE bought the Devils for about $320 million.