Bettman: “He who buys [Sens] doing it to stay in Ottawa’

National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman addresses the media during a press conference ahead of the 2023 NHL All-Star Game in Sunrise, Florida.

Bettman celebrates 30 years on the job this weekend after being named the NHL’s first commissioner in 1993.

Several topics were discussed and Bettman provided an update on the Ottawa Senators sale process.

The Senators, of course, went on sale in November 2022 following the death of owner Eugene Melnyk earlier in March. He left the Senators organization to his daughters Anna and Olivia. Forbes valued the hockey club at $800 million in December.

Last month, Bettman explained that more than a dozen parties were interested in buying the Senators. Potential buyers include Canadian star actor Ryan Reynolds, as well as other business ventures and billionaires based in Ottawa and Ontario.

Bettman was asked Saturday, “Can you provide an update on the status of the Ottawa Senators sale process?” »

He was quick to answer the question, stating, “Yeah actually. There are 15 or more people or groups of people who have filed claims. The data room was open and I suspect in the next few weeks or so there will be a preliminary cut based on preliminary bids,” Bettman said.

He then explained what the process might look like and what the Senators’ future might look like once the sale is finalized.

“But, the process is being conducted directly with potential buyers through New York-based Galatioto Sports Partners. I want to be very clear, whoever buys the club is doing it to keep it in Ottawa. ‘there is no speculation on the verge and perhaps a greater opportunity to bring the downtown team to LeBreton Flats, which I think makes it an even more exciting opportunity to own a team in the nation’s capital.