George Gillett Jr., the American businessman and sports executive who owned the National Hockey League’s Montreal Canadiens and held a majority stake in English Premier League club Liverpool FC, has died at the age of 87, according to family statements and sports obituaries. Gillett’s career spanned decades across cattle ranching, meatpacking, ski resorts, and high-profile sports franchise management, leaving a complex financial and operational footprint in North American and European sports.
Montreal Canadiens Ownership and Legacy
According to historical sports franchise records, George Gillett Jr. purchased the Montreal Canadiens, the Bell Centre, and Gillett Entertainment Group in 2001 from Molson Breweries for $275 million. During his tenure controlling the historic NHL franchise, Gillett managed the team through a transitional era in modern hockey economics before selling his stake to the Molson family in 2009. Under his ownership, the Canadiens celebrated their organizational centennial in the 2008–09 season, though the club faced intense financial pressures and competitive expectations unique to Canada’s oldest continuously operating professional hockey market.
Liverpool FC and European Football Investment
In February 2007, George Gillett Jr. partnered with American businessman Tom Hicks to acquire Liverpool FC in a transaction valued at approximately £218.9 million, according to financial disclosures from the period. The joint ownership faced severe resistance and protests from Liverpool supporters due to high debt leveraging and deteriorating relations with team management, including then-manager Rafael Benítez. Financial strain and boardroom disputes ultimately forced the sale of the club in October 2010 to New England Sports Ventures—subsequently renamed Fenway Sports Group—following a high-stakes legal battle in English courts.
Broad Business Career and Early Ventures
Before his major entries into professional sports team ownership, George Gillett Jr. built a diverse corporate portfolio across multiple industries. According to business biographies, he started his professional path in marketing and advertising before taking control of meatpacking firm Packerland Packing and eventually managing the Harlem Globetrotters exhibition basketball team in the late 1970s. He also invested heavily in resort properties, including the Vail and Beaver Creek ski resorts in Colorado during the 1980s, before financial setbacks required corporate restructuring across his business holdings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sports teams did George Gillett Jr. own?
George Gillett Jr. owned the NHL’s Montreal Canadiens from 2001 to 2009 and served as co-owner of English Premier League club Liverpool FC from 2007 to 2010. He also previously owned the Harlem Globetrotters exhibition basketball team.
When did George Gillett Jr. pass away?
George Gillett Jr. died at the age of 87, according to verified family and sports obituaries.
Why did George Gillett Jr. sell Liverpool FC?
Gillett and his co-owner Tom Hicks sold Liverpool FC in 2010 amid mounting supporter protests, severe debt obligations tied to the leveraged buyout, and court battles over the club’s governance.
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