Minnesota Wild to Be Sold to Craig Leipold

[VodkaFish]

SAINT PAUL/MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. - Minnesota Sports & Entertainment (“MSE”), the parent company of the Minnesota Wild, announced today that an agreement has been signed to sell the Minnesota Wild and its related entities to Craig Leipold. Financial terms were not disclosed, and the final sale requires approval by the National Hockey League and other regulatory approvals.

Bob Naegele has been the majority owner of the Minnesota Wild since the NHL granted an expansion franchise to the team in 1997. Mr. Leipold, a resident of Racine, Wisconsin, recently completed the sale of the Nashville Predators, a team he owned since the expansion franchise was awarded to Nashville in 1997.

“Our goals were to return the NHL to the State of Hockey, to establish a winning tradition dedicated to the hockey fans of Minnesota, and to ensure the long-term success of the Wild,” said Naegele. “It is now time to pass the torch on to a new owner who will ensure that long-term success. Craig is as committed to winning the Stanley Cup as I have been, and he represents proven, committed leadership, hockey passion and Midwestern values that have been the bedrock of our organization’s success to this point - and will serve as the foundation for the success of the future.”

Said Leipold: “I love the sport of hockey and am very excited to continue the tradition of Wild hockey here in Minnesota - the State of Hockey. I have admired Bob Naegele and the entire Wild organization since the first puck dropped in 2000. It is a true privilege to become part of the organization and the hockey community in Minnesota. I want to thank Bob for this unique opportunity, and I am pleased that he will consider continuing as my partner in the organization.”

Doug Risebrough, General Manager of the Minnesota Wild and President of MSE, stated: “The Minnesota Wild owes a substantial debt to Bob Naegele, whose vision and courage resulted in an NHL franchise returning to Minnesota. He’s been a leader and has demonstrated that success can only come through true partnership with others. We thank Bob for our history, and we turn with excitement to Craig for our future. We appreciate his commitment to continuing to build a team with a winning tradition and the shared goal of bringing the Stanley Cup to Minnesota.

[jkidd]

Not sure I like having some guy like Leipold get the team, after he just sold a near dead franchise, in a near dead market.

Oh well though, there is no way the Wild are going anywhere - so thats all that really matters.

[FrontLineAdmirals]

Originally Posted by jkidd

Not sure I like having some guy like Leipold get the team, after he just sold a near dead franchise, in a near dead market.

Oh well though, there is no way the Wild are going anywhere - so thats all that really matters.

Two completely different situations.

He helped place a team in a non-hockey market and ended up losing $$$ for it. His own damn fault.

Buying the Wild is a safe bet. He knows it's one of the best markets in North America. He also knows that he'll make money no matter what... and thus will be able to enjoy the game knowing he's not in the red.

[Isles4life]

I think the Wild should still be pretty stable. Great place for hockey.

[LAKINGSNUT]

they have one of the most loyal fan base's supporting the team. i don't think moving the team was ever even considered, and was more than likely a moot point.

[killmachine]

Yeah I don't see how anyone could go wrong having a NHL team in Minn.... christ that's a hockey state if there ever was one. I think after not a having a NHL team for awhile it's obviously gonna take a little time to build up momentum behind the team it self along with some good $/player desions..... now if the NHL would add two more teams then maybe this Leipold fellow good open up a team in WI........

[buchockey221]

i hope this dosent mean no more boogy

[fansince65]

You mean Bettman is not going to step in after his bail-out of the Predators....

Holly cash loss Bettman !!!!

[Upnorth]

All Minnesota Wild fans and hockey fans in general owe Bob a rousing thank you. Probably at least as big as the boos for "NORM" were on the Wild's opening night.
What a class organization the Wild are starting right at the top.

My wife and I were season ticket holders from day one but then had to move to San Antonio, Tx. Now I have to watch the Coyotes farm team...ISH

The Naegele family, the Wild organization and the NHL have been very kind to numerous youth hockey organizations by letting them sell and keep the proceeds of the programs at all home games. They also gave tickets and promotional materials as well.

As a former coach with the Dinomights program in Minneapolis I know full well how much they all care about the youth and the adult hockey fans in Minnesota.

Hats off to you Bob!! www.dinomights.com


"Coach" Abe

[fansince65]

Originally Posted by fansince65

You mean Bettman is not going to step in after his bail-out of the Predators....

Holly cash loss Bettman !!!!

The "mental midget" will aprove that one ... the team is not going any-place but were it is ...