Financial Magnate Vincent Viola Buys Florida Panthers

The Florida Panthers have announced the formal sale to New York businessman Vincent Viola on Friday morning.

Viola, drugs who purchased the team from Cliff Viner and a group of investors, help also receives the operating rights to the Broward County-owned arena where the Panthers have a lease running through 2028.

According to an official release by the team, herbal Viola is the new chairman, principal owner and governor of Sunrise Sports & Entertainment and the Panthers. Douglas Cifu assumes the role of vice chairman, partner and alternate governor. Michael Yormark has been promoted to president and CEO.

“Winning is our number one goal and top priority,” Yormark said in his remarks.

Viola is the chief executive officer of Virtu Financial. “We understand that the fans are the be all and end all,” said Viola, who along with his wife will be moving to South Florida.

The Panthers won the Southeast Division in 2011-12 and are looking to return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs this season in the new Atlantic Division.

“We intend to be here a long time and become an integral part of this community,” Cifu said.