Tod Leiweke Headed to Tampa Bay

According to several reports, Tod Leiweke will be leaving the Seattle Seahawks to become the new Chief Executive Officer and part owner of the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning.

Leiweke, who has been with the Seattle Seahawks since 2003, was the CEO of Vulcan Sports & Entertainment. While overseeing Vulcan Sports, Leiweke was in charge of the Seahawks, the Portland Trailblazers, and Vulcan’s interest in Sounders FC of the MLS.

The Leiweke-to-Tampa rumors first started a few months ago, but were quickly shot down by the Seahawks as erroneous.

“I’m happy what I’m doing,” Leiweke told reporters back in April. Most people thought that was the case, and he was at least entrenched in Seattle for the near future.

The news today is somewhat surprising, and in my opinion, a loss for the fans of Seattle.

From seahawks.com:

"Vulcan Sports & Entertainment announced today that CEO Tod Leiweke is resigning to join the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning as CEO and part owner.Leiweke will stay on at Vulcan Sports until a new chief executive is found, and will assist in the search for his replacement.‘Paul Allen is the most fan-friendly owner in professional sports. He has built great sports franchises that have always given much back to the community,’ Leiweke said today. ‘We have strong management and coaching in place in Seattle and Portland and I know the teams are in good hands.’"

Shaun Dolence: dolencesm@gmail.com
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