Report: Vancouver’s Ryan Reynolds interested in buying Ottawa Senators

Hollywood actor Ryan Reynolds is potentially interested in buying the Ottawa Senators hockey franchise, People reported Wednesday.

Reynolds, who originally hails from Vancouver, currently stars as the comic book character Deadpool in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He has also appeared in Free Guy, Detective Pikachu, and Green Lantern.

The 46-year-old is also an ambitious entrepreneur who owns a production company, “Maximum Effort,” as well as stakes in Aviation Gin, Mint Mobile, and the Welsh professional football club Wrexham A.F.C.

Now, it appears Reynolds may be shifting his sights to the sport favoured by his home country. According to the People report, Reynolds is “very interested” in buying the Senators and “it is important to Reynolds the team stay in Ottawa, as a sale could result in relocation.”

Sportico first reported on Tuesday that the Senators are preparing for a sale in the wake of former owner Eugene Melnyk’s death in March. According to Sportico‘s estimates, the Senators are worth approximately $655 million; Reynolds’ net worth is reportedly in the ballpark of $150 million.

It’s unclear whether Reynolds would be interested in purchasing the Senators outright or acquiring a majority or minority stake in the team, although The Ottawa Sun‘s Bruce Garrioch reported Thursday that the actor’s interest in buying the franchise is “real and genuine.”

Reynolds lived in Ottawa’s Vanier neighbourhood as a child and (alongside his wife, Green Lantern co-star Blake Lively) made a donation to the Ottawa Food Bank during the COVID-19 pandemic. Outgoing Ottawa mayor Jim Watson was on hand earlier this year to name a city street after the Blade: Trinity actor.

It’s clear that Ottawa has a special place in Ryan’s heart – and in his honour, I’ll be bringing forward a motion later today to have a street named after him,” Watson tweeted in January. “Ryan Reynolds Way will be located in a new subdivision in the east end. Look forward to seeing it open soon!”