Does Mario Lemieux Still Own The Penguins

Okay, let’s get the big question out of the way: Does Mario Lemieux still own the Pittsburgh Penguins? The short answer is yes—well, sort of. But like a good mystery novel, the full story has a few twists, turns, and a surprising amount of paperwork.

The Short, Sweet, and Slightly Confusing Answer

Mario Lemieux is still the majority owner of the Penguins. He holds the title of principal owner, which is a fancy way of saying he’s the guy with the final say on big decisions. Think of him as the captain of the ship, even if he doesn’t steer every single wave.

But here’s where it gets fun: he’s not alone at the top. In 2021, the Penguins were sold to a group that includes Fenway Sports Group (the same folks who own the Boston Red Sox). Mario kept a big chunk of the team, so he’s still very much in the game—just with some rich new pals.

So, yes, he owns the team. But it’s more like owning a pizza with your friends: you’re still the boss of the pepperoni, but everyone gets a slice.

A Little History Lesson (With Zero Homework)

Mario didn’t just buy the Penguins with a check—he saved them from bankruptcy in 1999. Imagine buying your favorite restaurant because it was about to close, then cooking the best meal they’ve ever had. That’s Mario, but with a hockey team.

He even played for the team while owning it, which is like being both the chef and the restaurant critic. He was the only player-owner in major North American sports history, and he did it while scoring goals like it was a video game on easy mode.

Fast forward to 2023: Mario is still the face of the franchise, but he’s moved into a godfather role. He’s the wise, legendary figure in the background, while the new ownership group handles the day-to-day chaos.

Wait, So Who Calls the Shots Now?

Technically, Mario is still the chairman of the board. That means he has a big say in major moves—like trading away a star player or hiring a new coach. But Fenway Sports Group handles the business side, like selling hot dogs and jerseys.

It’s a bit like when your dad hands you the car keys but still decides where you’re going. Mario is the dad with the map, and FSG is the kid who wants to drive fast and blast music.

And honestly? That’s perfect. Mario gets to enjoy the glory without the stress of booking arena concerts or negotiating with the janitor’s union. He can focus on what he does best: being a hockey legend and a local hero.

Mario Lemieux's powerful Sidney Crosby message after record-setting assist

What’s Mario’s Actual Job Now?

Mario’s official title is “Principal Owner,” which sounds like a job where you just sign autographs and eat nachos. But he’s still very involved in hockey decisions. He’s like a hockey Yoda—quiet, wise, and occasionally dropping a truth bomb in a team meeting.

He also shows up at games, gives advice to young players, and occasionally sues the league (just kidding… mostly). He’s the heart of the franchise, even if his wallet is now sharing the load with Fenway’s billions.

So, no, he’s not running the team from a big office with a nameplate. But if you ever see him in the stands, you’ll notice he’s the one smiling like a proud uncle.

But…Does He Still Care?

Oh, absolutely. Mario Lemieux is the reason the Penguins exist in Pittsburgh. Without him, the team might have moved to Kansas City or, worse, become a minor league franchise nobody talked about.

He still bleeds black and gold. He’s the guy who chose to stay in Pittsburgh when he could have played anywhere, and he’s the guy who chose to buy the team when it was a financial disaster. That kind of loyalty doesn’t fade with a sale.

Plus, he still lives in the area and attends games regularly. Rumors say he even gives advice to Sidney Crosby, which is like having Einstein help you with your math homework.

The Fun, Confusing Part: The Sale

In 2021, the sale to Fenway Sports Group made headlines everywhere. People panicked: “Does Mario Lemieux still own the Penguins?!” The answer is yes, but with a twist—he sold a majority stake, not all of it.

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Think of it this way: you sell 51% of your lemonade stand to your neighbor, but you keep 49% and the secret recipe. Your neighbor handles the cups and ice, but you still get to yell “Fresh lemonade!” and taste-test every batch.

That’s Mario. He sold control of the day-to-day, but he kept the core. He’s the lemonade whisperer, and the Penguins are the sweetest stand in town.

So, What’s the Final Verdict?

Mario Lemieux still owns the Penguins—just not in the “I run the vending machines” way. He’s the spirit owner, the guy who makes sure the team never forgets its roots. He’s the Mario in “Mario Lemieux Boulevard,” and he’s not going anywhere.

If you ever meet him, you can say, “Hey, you still own the team, right?” And he’ll smile and say, “Yep, but I let the new kids do the dishes.”

So, rest easy, Penguins fans: the legend is still in charge, the future is bright, and the hot dogs are still delicious. And as long as Mario’s name is on the door (even if it’s a little smaller now), the team will always have its heart.

An Uplifting Conclusion That’s Pure Joy

Here’s the best part: Mario Lemieux isn’t just an owner—he’s a symbol. He’s the proof that one person can change everything. He saved a team, built a dynasty, and then handed it off to the next generation without ever leaving.

And now? He gets to sit back, watch his team win (hopefully), and know he’s still the man—even if his business card says “Principal Owner” instead of “Supreme Ruler of Hockey.”

So raise a glass (or a hockey puck) to Mario: the owner, the player, the legend. He owns the Penguins in every way that matters—in our hearts, in the history books, and in the fact that he can still find a parking spot at PPG Paints Arena without asking anyone’s permission. That’s true ownership.