The Ottawa Senators is a professional ice hockey team in the National Hockey League (NHL) based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. They compete in the Eastern Conference’s Atlantic Division and play their home games at the Canadian Tire Centre. The franchise was founded as an expansion club in 1992 (though the “Senators” name harkens back to earlier Ottawa teams).
Ownership Status of the Ottawa Senators
As of the current information, the Ottawa Senators are not owned by a single private individual in the sense of 100% ownership. The team is held by a group of investors headed by Canadian businessman Michael Andlauer, who is the majority owner. The estate of the late owner Eugene Melnyk retains a minority stake (approximately 10%) via his daughters.
Major Shareholders
| Shareholder / Entity | Ownership Percentage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Michael Andlauer & investor group | Majority (~90%) | Lead investor, approved by the NHL Board in Sept 2023. |
| Estate of Eugene Melnyk (via his daughters) | ~10% | Legacy share retained post-sale, condition that team remains in Ottawa. |
Note: The exact breakdown of all investor interests is not publicly detailed beyond the lead owner and the Melnyk estate share.
About the Owner Michael Andlauer
Michael Andlauer is a Canadian entrepreneur and longtime figure in the world of professional hockey. He is the founder of Andlauer Healthcare Group, a major logistics and healthcare transportation company in Canada, and also established ATS Healthcare. Before purchasing the Ottawa Senators, Andlauer had extensive experience in hockey ownership, having previously been a minority owner of the Montreal Canadiens and owner of the Hamilton Bulldogs, guiding the Bulldogs to a Calder Cup win. His business background, combined with deep involvement in Canadian hockey, has made him a respected and influential figure in the sport. As the majority owner of the Ottawa Senators, Andlauer is focused on long-term stability, improved team performance, and strengthening ties with the Ottawa community.
Michael Andlauer Net Worth
Michael Andlauer’s estimated net worth is around USD $1.7 billion, according to multiple business and financial reports. His wealth comes mainly from his healthcare logistics empire, including Andlauer Healthcare Group, which went public in 2019 and has seen significant growth. He has also accumulated value through his investments in sports franchises, real estate, and transportation services. Andlauer’s financial position not only enabled him to buy the Ottawa Senators for nearly $950 million in 2023 but also provides the stability needed to support the team’s future operations, arena plans, and competitive goals. His strong business background and financial resources position him as one of the NHL’s more capable and strategic modern owners.
Key Shareholder Highlights
- Michael Andlauer is a Canadian businessman who founded the Andlauer Healthcare Group and other companies.
- In June 2023, Andlauer’s group signed a purchase agreement for the Senators, and on September 21, 2023 the transaction was approved by the NHL Board of Governors.
- The estate of Eugene Melnyk, who had controlled the team since 2003, continues to hold a minority interest.
Recent Developments in Ownership
In March 2022, Eugene Melnyk died, prompting the potential sale of the club by his estate.
By November 2022, the team publicly announced its intention to sell, with the condition that the franchise remain in Ottawa. In mid-2023, a purchase agreement was signed, and later that year the sale was approved by the NHL. The new ownership structure became effective September 21, 2023.
FAQs
1. Who is the current owner of the Ottawa Senators?
The majority owner is Michael Andlauer. The team is owned by his group of investors, with the Melnyk estate holding a minority stake (~10%).
2. Is the Ottawa Senators team publicly traded or privately owned?
The Senators are privately owned (i.e., not a publicly traded company). Ownership is by private investors, not through a public stock exchange.
3. Who founded the Ottawa Senators (the current franchise)?
The current franchise was awarded in 1990 and began play in 1992, with major roles played by real-estate developer Bruce Firestone and his group.
4. Has the ownership changed recently?
Yes. After Eugene Melnyk’s passing in 2022, the franchise was sold in 2023 to a group headed by Michael Andlauer. The NHL approved the sale in September 2023.
Discover more from Who Is The Owner Of
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.