Report: Sens narrow suitors down to 4 on deadline day for sale bids

A quartet of groups reportedly remains in the hunt to purchase the Ottawa Senators on the final day bids can be submitted.

The final four majority owner candidates are Michael Andlauer, Steve Apostolopoulos, Jeffrey and Michael Kimel, and Neko Sparks, reports Postmedia's Bruce Garrioch.

One of the bids exceeds $1 billion, according to Sportico's Scott Soshnick and Eben Novy-Williams.

Andlauer is a Montreal Canadiens minority owner who also owns the OHL's Brantford Bulldogs.

Apostolopoulos reportedly bid $6 billion for the NFL's Washington Commanders, who were later sold to New Jersey Devils and Philadelphia 76ers owner Josh Harris. Apostolopoulos is based in Toronto.

The Kimels are also Toronto-area billionaires and former Pittsburgh Penguins minority owners who recently sold their stake in the club. Canadian singer The Weeknd has partnered with their bid.

Sparks is an L.A.-based entrepreneur, CEO, and producer. He's aiming to become the first Black owner in NHL history. Snoop Dogg has joined his efforts. Sparks reportedly wants to offer First Nations communities equity stakes in the team.

Snoop Dogg posted a message for the Senators and their fans on his Instagram account Monday.

Ryan Reynolds was initially interested, but his bid - fronted by real estate mogul Christopher Bratty and the Remington Group - bowed out last week. The group reportedly sought an exclusive negotiating window but was denied.

Sacramento Kings owner Vivek Ranadive also appeared to be in the mix for the Senators but isn't among the reported final bidders.

The late Eugene Melnyk's daughters, Anna and Olivia, inherited the franchise when their father died in March 2022. They appointed New York-based firm Galatioto Sports Partners to oversee the sale.