Snoop Dogg part of group interested in buying Senators

A surprising figure has emerged in the ongoing saga to determine the next owner of the Ottawa Senators.

Award-winning rapper Snoop Dogg is part of a bid fronted by Los Angeles-based entrepreneur Neko Sparks that's interested in purchasing the Senators, he confirmed Monday.

"He's passionately involved. He's coming up with ideas. And he's legitimately excited," a source told The Athletics' Ian Mendes. "He wants this team."

The famed rapper is reportedly interested in growing and marketing hockey to families from diverse backgrounds in and around the Ottawa area.

"He's passionate about trying to make this game affordable for visible minorities and kids in low-income areas who haven't been able to play hockey in the past," a source told Mendes. "He wants to be community-oriented."

Snoop Dogg has emerged as a vocal supporter of hockey and the NHL. He's a frequent attendee at games in Southern California and was even featured in the video game "NHL 20" as a commentator and playable character.

Snoop Dogg is the latest celebrity to be connected to a bid interested in the Senators, joining actor Ryan Reynolds.

Reynolds is aligned with the Remington Group, which is reportedly preparing a $1-billion offer to buy the Senators.

New York-based bank Galatioto Sports Partners, hired by the family of Eugene Melnyk to sell the franchise, has set a May 15 deadline for offers.