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The Lingering Legacy How Mario Lemieuxs Competition Shaped Pittsburghand Forever Changed Hockey

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, August 20th 2025 at 0:06 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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The sale of the Pittsburgh Penguins by Ron Burkle in 2021 wasn't just a business transaction; it was the closing chapter on a saga that fundamentally reshaped both the franchise and the city. While the details surrounding the deal – a reported $650 million – are significant, the story truly lies in the fierce competition that preceded it, a battle sparked by Mario Lemieux’s desperate attempt to save his beloved team from relocation. This isn't just about hockey; it's about community, ambition, and the enduring power of one player’s connection to his city.

The late 1980s and early 1990s were a turbulent time for Pittsburgh. The steel industry was collapsing, leaving the region economically devastated. Professional sports teams, including the Penguins, felt the pinch. Faced with dwindling attendance and financial instability, owner Howard Baldwin seriously considered relocating the team to Baltimore. This prospect terrified fans who had grown up cheering on “Super Mario,” the generational talent leading the Penguins’ resurgence.

Enter Mario Lemieux himself. Recognizing the existential threat facing his team, Lemieux orchestrated a leveraged buyout in 1990, forming a group that included businessman Tom Usher and eventually Ron Burkle. The initial goal was simple: keep the Penguins in Pittsburgh. However, this act of civic heroism wasn't without its complications. Lemieux became the owner while still playing, an unprecedented situation that blurred the lines between player and executive.

The ensuing years were a rollercoaster ride. While Lemieux’s on-ice brilliance continued to captivate fans – he won two Stanley Cups (1991 & 1992) and numerous individual awards – the team's financial struggles persisted. The Penguins operated under a tight budget, often forced to trade talented players to stay afloat. This period also saw Lemieux’s own health battles with Hodgkin’s lymphoma and later, chronic back problems that significantly impacted his career.

The competition for ownership truly intensified in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Several potential buyers emerged, each vying to acquire a struggling franchise steeped in history and anchored by a legendary player. Among them were prominent figures like Mark Cuban (who would later purchase the Dallas Mavericks) and Mitchell Katz. These bidders weren’t just interested in owning a hockey team; they saw an opportunity to capitalize on the Penguins' brand recognition and potential for growth, particularly with Lemieux still involved.

The bidding war became increasingly complex as Lemieux navigated his own financial situation and continued to grapple with health issues. He often found himself caught between wanting to keep the team in Pittsburgh and recognizing the need for a deep-pocketed owner who could provide long-term stability. The constant speculation surrounding potential sales created uncertainty and anxiety among fans, who feared losing their beloved franchise yet again.

Ron Burkle ultimately emerged as the successful bidder in 1999, partnering with Lemieux to maintain ownership. This partnership proved crucial for several years, providing a degree of continuity and allowing Lemieux to remain involved in the team's operations. However, tensions eventually arose between Burkle and Lemieux regarding the direction of the franchise and financial decisions.

The period following Burkle’s acquisition saw further challenges, including another lockout (2004-05) that effectively canceled an entire season. The Penguins continued to struggle financially, leading to more player trades and a sense of perpetual rebuilding. While the team showed flashes of promise, consistent success remained elusive.

Lemieux eventually relinquished his ownership stake in 2010, selling his share to Burkle. This marked a significant turning point for the franchise, signaling a renewed focus on long-term planning and financial sustainability under Burkle’s sole leadership. The Penguins finally achieved sustained success under this new era, culminating in Stanley Cup victories in 2016 and 2017, fueled by generational talent like Sidney Crosby.

The recent sale to the Fenway Sports Group (FSG), owners of the Boston Red Sox and Liverpool Football Club, represents a new chapter for the Penguins. FSG’s deep pockets and proven track record of success in other sports offer the promise of significant investment in the team's facilities, player development, and overall operations.

Looking back, the saga surrounding the Pittsburgh Penguins’ ownership is more than just a business story; it’s a testament to the enduring power of community and the extraordinary impact one individual can have on a city. Mario Lemieux’s initial act of saving the team from relocation sparked a decade-long competition that ultimately shaped the franchise's identity and paved the way for its future success. While he is no longer an owner, his legacy remains deeply intertwined with the Penguins, forever reminding fans of the time their hometown hero stepped in to save their team – and, arguably, their city’s spirit. The competition for ownership may have ended, but the echoes of that battle continue to resonate within Pittsburgh, a constant reminder of what it means to fight for something you believe in.