Reports: FSG evaluating Penguins' suitor options as ‘serious contender' emerges
The Penguins are currently owned by Fenway Sports Group, which had been angling to sell a minority stake of the NHL club to "a small, passive partner," according to a statement FSG gave to Front Office Sports in June.
FSG did not change its tone Tuesday.
"Fenway Sports Group continues to evaluate potential equity partners to support the long-term growth of the Pittsburgh Penguins," it said in a statement to Front Office Sports. "While the process remains active, there is nothing to confirm or discuss at this time."
The Hoffmann family has owned the Estero, Fla.-based ECHL team since 2019. Though the family is based in Chicago, David Hoffmann is a resident of Naples, Fla.
David Hoffmann has previously expressed interest in purchasing an NHL or NBA team in an interview with the Naples Daily News. His son Geoff Hoffmann is co-CEO of their family business, the Hoffmann Family of Companies, and would also reportedly be involved in a purchase of the Penguins.
The Penguins have won five Stanley Cups, including three in the Sidney Crosby era (2009, 2016, 2017), and are valued by Forbes at $1.75 billion, ranking 17th in the league.
Penguins icon Mario Lemieux previously expressed interest in regaining a controlling interest in the Penguins after selling his piece in 2021, when FSG acquired the team for $900 million.
--Field Level Media
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As of Tuesday evening, it had raised more than $131,600 for the Owens family - with some even making monthly contributions. But the bankruptcy filing shows that a significant portion of Owens and Black's debt, more than $400,000, was incurred in the first half of this year - after the GoFundMe was launched. It describes how they owe $300,000 in credit card debt to creditors like American Express and seven separate Bank of America accounts, and notes that Ronn is being sued by JP Morgan Chase for failing to pay $51,000. The couple, who were once considered Bay Area media royalty, have also claimed they have $6,640 in monthly payments - not including their $14,188 monthly mortgage, which they apparently stopped paying. Yet their pensions and Social Security income, which totals $21,000 a month, more than covers their $150-a-month medical and dental care as well as their $225 supplemental health insurance. 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