Sullivan Calls Fenway Sports Group Agreement a "Win-Win for Everybody"

With the announcement
that Fenway Sports Group has entered into an agreement to acquire a controlling interest in the Pittsburgh Penguins, general manager Ron Hextall and president of hockey operations Brian Burke addressed the team about the news this morning while head coach Mike Sullivan had a brief conversation with some of the new owners before the game day skate.
His takeaway is that it's a win-win for everybody involved, especially since Mario Lemieux and Ron Burkle - who delivered three Stanley Cups and a new arena during their 22-year partnership that began in 1999 - will remain part of the ownership group.
In a statement
, Lemieux said that together with their new partners, he and Burkle will work tirelessly to continue to make Penguins fans proud and bring another Stanley Cup back to Pittsburgh.

"We're really excited about the opportunity," Sullivan said. "(Fenway Sports Group) has a proven track record. I think they're fans, first and foremost. They love sports, and I think they're in it for the long haul. I'm looking forward to the opportunity to learn from those guys with the experience that they can bring with some of their other sports.
"Having said that, I think they're joining an ownership group in Ron and Mario that has provided such great leadership for our team in all the years that they've owned it. Their success, I think, speaks for itself. So I think the Fenway Sports Group is just going to add another level of leadership and resources to help this team continue to have success."
Fenway Sports Group is a global sports, marketing, media, entertainment, and real estate company anchored by two iconic clubs: the Boston Red Sox and Liverpool Football Club. During FSG's tenure, the Red Sox have won four World Series championships - one of which ended the Curse of the Bambino, their 86-year drought - while Liverpool has captured an English Premier League title, a European Cup title and the FIFA Club World Cup.
John Henry is the principal owner, Tom Werner is the chairman, and Mike Gordon is the president.
In a memo to the Penguins front office
, that group said it was important for them to convey who they are and what they stand for, which is taking beloved clubs to new heights while being guided by a stewardship philosophy focused on preserving, protecting and enhancing the organizations they acquire.
They also reiterated that today's news does not change how the team will be operated day-to-day, and that they look forward to working with Lemieux and Burkle and building on what the two of them created. Penguins defenseman Kris Letang said that was a big relief to hear, as he's built a strong relationship with both Lemieux and Burkle over the years.
"Pretty happy for them, but I'm glad they're staying on," Letang said. "Obviously, it was a big opportunity. I know they probably hand-picked the buyers to make sure that the same mentality was going to be in place, a winning culture. So I'm pretty sure it's a good business move too, you know? (Laughs). Happy for them. It's great. Where the team used to be in in the early 2000s, they made a great investment. It was a risky one, I guess, but it paid off and now we have three Stanley Cups."
And as Lemieux said, hopefully another one to come in this new beginning for the franchise.