Photograph Credit score: Bob Bekian / CC by 2.0Snoop Dogg and The Weeknd have been edged out within the Ottawa Senators bidding battle, each having hoped to grow to be the primary Black house owners of an NHL franchise.
Though Snoop Dogg and The Weeknd have expanded their attain throughout numerous model offers and investments, the musicians’ A-list swagger and family names weren’t sufficient to interrupt into the enterprise of NHL franchise possession.
Snoop as soon as teamed up with the NHL in 2018 for the weekly video sequence “Hockey 101 With Snoop Dogg,” and extra just lately, the rapper and entrepreneur was a part of a bunch assembled by Los Angeles-based enterprise mogul Neko Sparks in a bid to buy the Ottawa Senators.
Devoted hockey fan and Toronto native The Weeknd — who now goes by his authorized title, Abel Tesfaye — joined a rival bid led by hometown billionaires Jeffrey and Michael Kimel of Harlo Capital Group. However neither Tesfaye nor Snoop — nor actor Ryan Reynolds, who was allegedly amongst one of many half dozen bidding teams — might strike a deal.
ESPN studies that the Senators’ board of administrators introduced Tuesday {that a} group led by Andlauer Healthcare Group CEO Michael Andlauer put in a profitable bid at practically $1 billion. Nevertheless, the board has but to reveal the deal’s ultimate phrases.
The 57-year-old Andlauer additionally owns the Ontario Hockey League’s Brantford Bulldogs and should divest his 10 p.c stake within the NHL’s Montreal Canadiens group as a part of the settlement.
“My household and I are very excited to be a part of the Ottawa Senators Hockey Membership,” mentioned Andlauer in an announcement to ESPN. “I imagine that the Senators’ fanbase is likely one of the most passionate within the league, and I’m excited to take the franchise’s success — each on and off the ice — to the subsequent degree.”
In line with ESPN, Andlauer’s bid edged out the one from the Kimels, whereas Sparks’ provide was mentioned to be “underfunded.”