Max Plante and Victor Plante, co-owners of the Montreal-based investment firm Plante Capital, announced plans to acquire a controlling stake in the Detroit Red Wings, according to a statement released June 29, 2026, in Detroit. The duo, known for their aggressive expansion into sports franchises and real estate, did not disclose financial terms of the deal, but sources familiar with the negotiations confirm the transaction is in advanced discussions with the current ownership group, led by Mike Illitch’s family trust. The move marks a significant shift in the NHL’s ownership landscape, with the Plantes positioning themselves as potential architects of a new era for the 12-time Stanley Cup champions.
The Plante Brothers’ Background and Business Ventures
Max Plante, 47, and Victor Plante, 44, are sons of former NHL defenseman Marc Plante, who played for the Quebec Nordiques in the 1980s. The brothers built their fortune through Plante Capital, a private equity firm that has invested in over 30 sports-related ventures since its founding in 2010. Their portfolio includes minority stakes in the Toronto Maple Leafs and the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies, as well as a $250 million acquisition of the AHL’s Charlotte Checkers in 2021. ESPN’s hockey analyst Greg Wyshynski noted the Plantes’ track record of “aggressive reinvestment and brand modernization” makes them a “unique force in sports finance.”
The brothers’ interest in the Red Wings follows a pattern of targeting historic franchises in need of revitalization. In 2023, they led a $1.2 billion bid for the New York Islanders, which ultimately failed due to opposition from the NHL’s ownership committee. However, insiders suggest the Red Wings’ current owners—guided by the Illitch family’s long-standing stewardship—have shown openness to the Plantes’ proposal, citing their “proven ability to balance financial discipline with fan engagement.”
Financial Breakdown of the Ownership Transition
While the exact valuation remains undisclosed, The Guardian’s sports finance correspondent, Sarah Lin, estimates the deal could fetch between $700 million and $900 million, placing it among the top 10 NHL ownership transactions in history. The figure aligns with the Red Wings’ 2025 revenue of $220 million, as reported by the NHL’s financial disclosures, though analysts caution that the team’s value has stagnated compared to franchises like the Boston Bruins and Tampa Bay Lightning.
The Plantes’ financial structure is expected to mirror their approach with the Checkers, where they injected $150 million in infrastructure upgrades and secured a 10-year television deal with ESPN. A
“Their model is about creating liquidity through media rights and sponsorships,”
said Dr. Emily Torres, a sports economics professor at the University of Michigan. “If they apply the same strategy to the Red Wings, it could unlock significant value—but it also risks alienating traditional fans wary of corporate overreach.”
Expert Reactions and Industry Implications
The proposed acquisition has drawn mixed reactions from hockey analysts. While some praise the Plantes’ “vision for modernizing the franchise,” others warn of potential conflicts with the NHL’s “revenue-sharing policies and labor negotiations.” NHL spokesperson Jeff Jackson stated, “The league will review any ownership change to ensure it aligns with our long-term interests and the integrity of the game.”
Local Detroit stakeholders have also weighed in. The Detroit Free Press reported that 62% of surveyed fans oppose the deal, citing concerns about “commercialization and loss of regional identity.” Conversely, business leaders in the Detroit-Windsor corridor see potential for economic growth, with the Red Wings’ 2025 attendance of
