Mario Lemieux No Longer Part Of Penguins Ownership

For the first time since the turn of the 21st century, Mario Lemieux won’t be a part of the Pittsburgh Penguins’ ownership group. According to Dejan Kovacevic of DK Pittsburgh Sports, Lemieux and his associate, Ron Burkle, have sold their minority shares of the organization.

It wasn’t a huge sell. Lemieux had very few shares of the organization after the Penguins were purchased by the Fenway Sports Group in 2021. Before the team was purchased by the Hoffmann Group a few months ago, rumors circulated that Lemieux was putting together a group to buy a majority interest. However, FSG ultimately chose the Hoffmann Group and sold the Penguins for $1.75B. Now, instead of being invested alongside the Hoffmann Group, Lemieux has severed his last formal tether to the organization.

Still, Lemieux will retain a role with the club. In an interview with King Jemison of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Geoff Hoffmann, CEO of the Hoffmann Group, said Lemieux could have any role he wanted. Specifically, Hoffmann said, “Mario and I have spent some time together. He’s been as good as advertised. Just a great, great guy. I’m really hopeful that he will be a part of this in whatever way, shape or form makes sense for him.”

Additionally, Jemison added that Lemieux has been more involved with the team since the Hoffmann Group took control than he ever was when FSG had a majority share. It’s clear that, even though he no longer has a financial stake in the team, the Hoffmann Group is giving Lemieux the respect he’s earned as a franchise legend and is committed to maintaining a good relationship with him.