The Vancouver Canucks are a professional ice-hockey team based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. They compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as part of the Western Conference’s Pacific Division. The franchise operates under Canucks Sports & Entertainment (CSE), a private company that holds the team and its related business interests.
Founded in 1970, the Canucks have grown into one of Canada’s most recognizable sports franchises. Though the team is privately held, it has achieved significant valuation and a massive fan following over the decades.
Ownership Status of the Vancouver Canucks
The Vancouver Canucks are privately owned through the Aquilini Investment Group (AIG), which controls Canucks Sports & Entertainment. There is no single individual owner; instead, the franchise is managed and owned collectively by the Aquilini family.
Major Ownership / Control
| Shareholder / Entity | Role / Control | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aquilini Investment Group (AIG) | Primary ownership vehicle for the Canucks franchise | The family-owned investment company that manages the team. |
| Francesco Aquilini | Chairman & NHL Governor representing the Canucks | Serves as the public face of ownership and directs team governance. |
| Family Trusts / Subsidiaries | Internal structures managing family wealth and assets | Specific ownership percentages are not publicly disclosed. |
Because the Canucks are privately owned, exact shareholding percentages are not filed publicly, unlike in a publicly traded company.
About the Owner and Chairman & NHL Governor Francesco Aquilini
Francesco Aquilini (born 1960) is a Canadian businessman, investor, and philanthropist based in Vancouver, British Columbia. He serves as the Chairman and NHL Governor of the Vancouver Canucks and is one of the Managing Directors of the Aquilini Investment Group.
He was raised in Vancouver and is the son of Luigi Aquilini, an Italian immigrant who built the family’s wealth through real estate and construction. Francesco earned his business degree from Simon Fraser University and later obtained an MBA from UCLA’s Anderson School of Management.
Under Francesco’s leadership, the Canucks organization has expanded its business operations and maintained strong ties with the community through charitable initiatives. He is recognized for his role in team management, hiring, and overall strategic direction of the franchise.
Francesco Aquilini: Net Worth Estimates
Determining Francesco Aquilini’s exact net worth is difficult, as much of his wealth is intertwined with family trusts and private entities. However, multiple reports and business analyses offer a range of estimates:
- The Aquilini family’s collective net worth is estimated at around CAD 3.3 billion.
- Francesco Aquilini’s individual net worth has been reported to be between USD 3 billion and USD 3.3 billion, depending on the valuation of his private holdings and business ventures.
- These figures fluctuate based on real estate investments, the Canucks’ franchise value, and other assets owned under Aquilini Investment Group.
While not officially confirmed, it is widely accepted that Francesco is one of the wealthiest team owners in the NHL, largely due to his diversified business interests across construction, entertainment, agriculture, and hospitality.
Key Shareholder Highlights
- Francesco Aquilini is the official NHL Governor representing the Vancouver Canucks and the leading voice of the franchise.
- The Aquilini family has diverse business interests beyond sports, including real estate, agriculture, hospitality, and entertainment.
- In May 2025, Paolo Aquilini exited the Canucks ownership group, though the family continues to maintain full control over the team.
Recent Developments in Ownership
- The Aquilini family initially purchased a 50 % stake in the team and its arena assets in 2004, acquiring the remaining 50 % in 2006, which gave them complete control of the franchise.
- In 2025, Paolo Aquilini’s departure slightly reshaped the ownership structure, but the team remains under Aquilini family control.
- The Aquilini family’s business empire is managed through a complex network of private companies and trusts, making the internal financial details largely undisclosed.
FAQs
1. Who is the current owner of the Vancouver Canucks?
The Aquilini family, through the Aquilini Investment Group, owns the Vancouver Canucks. Francesco Aquilini serves as the Chairman and NHL Governor.
2. Is the Vancouver Canucks franchise publicly traded or privately owned?
The Canucks are a privately owned franchise and are not listed on any stock exchange.
3. Who founded the current ownership group?
The Aquilini Investment Group was founded by Luigi Aquilini, who immigrated to Canada from Italy and built the foundation for the family’s empire.
4. Has the ownership changed recently?
The ownership remains under the Aquilini family’s control, but Paolo Aquilini stepped away from the group in 2025.
5. What is Francesco Aquilini’s role in the team?
Francesco acts as the Chairman, team governor, and strategic head, overseeing all major business and management decisions for the Canucks.
Vancouver Canucks Official Site
The Vancouver Canucks are one of Canada’s most iconic hockey teams, fully controlled by the Aquilini family through their Aquilini Investment Group. Francesco Aquilini, the family’s public representative and team chairman, continues to play a central role in both business and sporting operations.
Although exact ownership figures and net worth data remain private, it is clear that the Aquilini family stands among the most influential and wealthiest ownership groups in the NHL. Their leadership has ensured that the Canucks remain a cornerstone of Canadian hockey culture and a valuable asset within the sports business world.