Capitals owner Ted Leonsis voted new Chairman of NHL Board of Governors
A new voice is at the head of the proverbial table.
On Tuesday, the National Hockey League announced that Washington Capitals owner Ted Leonsis has been unanimously elected as the new Chairman of the league’s board of governors.
Calgary Flames governor Murray Edwards has taken over the role as Vice-Chair of the Board of Governors.
Leonsis takes over the position previously held by Boston Bruins owner Jeremy Jacobs, who has retired as chairman after 19 years in the role.
In a statement, Jacobs thanked many from around the game for supporting him for nearly two decades.
“Serving as Chairman of the NHL’s Board of Governors has been one of the greatest honors of my life, both professionally and personally,” Jacobs said. “I first was elected to the role in 2007, and nearly 20 years later, it’s well-past time for me to pass the torch. …“Looking forward, I can’t think of a better successor than Ted Leonsis, a highly regarded and accomplished owner on the forefront of innovation. Ted is the right person to help chart a course for the future of hockey. Perhaps most importantly, Ted is a passionate hockey fan who greatly values the NHL’s ability to positively impact communities.”
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman thanked Jacobs for his work and is excited to see what Leonsis can bring in his new role.
“Ted Leonsis’ entrepreneurial instincts and forward-thinking approach have helped shape the direction of our League for more than two decades,” Bettman said. “Since joining the Board of Governors, Ted has been an invaluable leader and a thoughtful voice in our boardroom, bringing to our discussions the same innovative spirit he has poured into Monumental Sports & Entertainment. I am excited to work alongside him in this new capacity as we continue to build on the remarkable momentum of our League.”
Leonsis, founder and CEO of Monumental Sports & Entertainment, has been the owner of the Capitals since 1999. Since then, the team has won 13 division titles, as well as the 2018 Stanley Cup, the first in franchise history.
