TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Analysis Of Latest Moves In Sale Of The Lightning

ADVERTISEMENT

By ERIK ERLENDSSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 12, 2007

I thought the Lightning were sold. What was Tuesday's settlement all about?

Members of Absolute Hockey Enterprises were suing Oren Koules, accusing him of trying to cut his own deal with the Lightning. Tuesday's settlement is a buyout by Koules of Absolute Hockey and their partners for an undisclosed amount. The lawsuit will be dismissed.

So does this mean the team is sold? Who is the owner?

The team has not been sold, and Palace Sports and Entertainment will continue to operate the team and the St. Pete Times Forum on a day-to-day basis.

Will the team be sold?

Koules, the Hollywood producer behind the "Saw" horror movie franchise, has expressed interest in continuing to purchase the team from Palace Sports, which will continue to listen to any other offers to purchase the Lightning.

How long will that process take?

It's unclear when a potential deal could be struck between Koules and Palace Sports, but negotiations will likely begin soon. There is no timetable for any kind of an announcement, though with the sale process having begun in August with Koules and his partners, it likely won't be a drawn-out procedure.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT