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To our beloved fans,
Ron Burkle and I have reached agreement with Fenway Sports Group (FSG) to sell a controlling interest in the Pittsburgh Penguins hockey team. This is an exciting day for the future of our franchise.
We want Penguins fans to know that we would only enter a partnership of this magnitude with leaders who share our values. Over the years, we have been approached multiple times by various groups interested in purchasing the team but never found the right fit. In FSG, however, we met an experienced group of leaders with a passion to win championships and a vision that aligns with ours. Just as importantly, they have at their core a stewardship philosophy rooted in local community impact and investment. It is a winning combination.
As this new chapter begins, I am happy to tell you that Ron and I will both remain part of the ownership group. For the past 22 years, we have shared a special bond that allowed us to work so well together, keep the team in Pittsburgh, build a new arena and bring home three Stanley Cups.
This is a new beginning, not the end of an era. I will continue to be active and involved with the team long-term, helping to oversee and guide the operation just as I always have. In addition to continuing my role, there will be a continuity of leadership with the club's senior management under CEO David Morehouse, COO Kevin Acklin, President of Hockey Operations Brian Burke, and General Manager Ron Hextall, who will all remain in their positions.
I have been fortunate to be part of the Penguins organization for more than half my life and have had the unique privilege of your incredible fan support as a player and owner. Thank you for being on this journey with me and our entire organization. Together with our new partners, we will work tirelessly to continue to make you proud and bring another Stanley Cup back to Pittsburgh.
-Mario