Panthers to announce ownership change

Sunrise, FL – The Florida Panthers have scheduled a news conference for Friday, at which time the club is expected to announce a change of ownership.

According to numerous media outlets, including the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, New York businessman Vincent Viola has purchased the franchise and the operation of the BB&T Center for $250 million from a group headed by Cliff Viner.

Viola, a former minority owner of the NBA's Nets before moving to Brooklyn, will reportedly become the sole owner of the Panthers.

Viner's group took over the Panthers in 2009.