NHL team owners are the financial backbone of their respective franchises, wielding significant influence over their teams' direction and success. While players and coaches often receive the spotlight, owners operate behind the scenes, making critical decisions about team management, investment, and overall strategy. As of January 2026, here’s a glimpse into some of the individuals and entities that own NHL teams:
Long-Standing Owners:
Several owners have maintained their positions for decades, becoming synonymous with their franchises. Jeremy Jacobs, owner of the Boston Bruins, stands out as the longest-tenured owner in the NHL, having acquired the team in 1975. His ownership also extends to Delaware North, a global hospitality and food service business. N. Murray Edwards has been the principal owner of the Calgary Flames since 1980, making him the third-longest tenured owner in the league. The Wirtz family, with Danny Wirtz at the helm since 2023, has owned the Chicago Blackhawks since 1954, marking the longest family tenure in the NHL.
Newer Entrants and Diverse Backgrounds:
The NHL has also seen newer owners enter the league, bringing diverse business backgrounds and perspectives. Tom Dundon, owner of the Carolina Hurricanes, is the chairman and managing partner of Dundon Capital Partners, with a background in consumer finance. Alex Meruelo, the majority owner of the Arizona Coyotes since 2019, is the first Latino owner of an NHL franchise and has a diverse portfolio of businesses under the Meruelo Group, including media stations and the Commercial Bank of California. In July 2025, Jimmy Haslam became the majority owner of the Nashville Predators after acquiring shares over three years.
Ownership Structures and Key Figures:
NHL teams operate under various ownership structures, often involving holding companies for team assets. For instance, the Anaheim Ducks are owned by Henry Samueli through Anaheim Ducks Hockey Club LLC. The Boston Bruins operate under Boston Professional Hockey Association, Inc.. The Buffalo Sabres are owned by Terry and Kim Pegula through Pegula Sports and Entertainment and Hockey Western New York, LLC. Ann Walton Kroenke is the owner of the Colorado Avalanche. Each team has a representative on the NHL Board of Governors, the league's governing body, typically the majority owner.
Owners and Team Performance:
The impact of owners extends beyond financial investment, influencing team culture and performance. Under the Wirtz family's ownership, the Blackhawks have won three Stanley Cups. Since Tom Gaglardi acquired the Dallas Stars in 2011, the team's value has significantly increased. While the Buffalo Sabres have not yet won a Stanley Cup under Terry Pegula's ownership, his investments have positioned the team for potential future success.
Financial Considerations:
The financial health of NHL teams is closely tied to the owners' ability to invest in players and infrastructure. Owners need to be financially stable to ensure their teams can compete at the highest level.
NHL owners come from diverse backgrounds, ranging from hospitality and food service to finance and technology. Their investments and decisions shape the trajectory of their teams and the league as a whole.
