Former Tampa Bay Lightning Owner Was Allegedly In The Japanese Mafia

The Tampa Bay Lightning is a franchise that has been around since 1992. Their original owners were publically Tony and Phil Esposito. The Esposito's however did not have the money to bankroll buying the team. They then partnered with Japanese businessman Takashi Okubo who owned and operated Kokusai Green a golf course and resort company.

While appearing like your average wealthy business owner Takashi Okubo had rumors of more shady business dealings as well. His business Kokusai Green was allegedly a front for the Japanese mafia group called the Yakuza. While none of this is confirmed Okubo was friends with the Japanese Royal Family and a number of powerful people in Japan.

Allegedly the Tampa Bay Lightning in their early years were used to launder money according to a writer from Sports Illustrated:

While all of these stories and rumors are just that it is interesting to wonder if the Tampa Bay Lightning were owned by a Japanese mobster. If so did anyone in the organization or NHL as a whole know about his mobster life? We will likely never have clear answers to any of these questions but the idea that this is even a possibility is wild.

MUST READ

Feb 28  |  By Tom Banks Vancouver Canucks' Contract Offer to Brock Boeser Leaks Publicly

Feb 28  |  By Tom Banks Montreal Canadiens Star Undergoes Season-Ending Knee Surgery

Feb 28  |  By Daniel Lucente Philadelphia Flyers Officially Looking to Trade Former 39-Goal Scorer

Feb 28  |  By Daniel Lucente Evander Kane May Be in His Final Days in Edmonton After Friedman Reveals New Information

Feb 28  |  By Mike Whitaker Maple Leafs Forward Pulls Back Trade Request

Feb 27  |  By Mike Whitaker Brad Marchand Goes Viral for Passionate Video Ahead of Four Nations Faceoff Final

Feb 27  |  By Mike Whitaker David Pastrnak's Latest Comments Suggest Bruins Will Be Big Sellers at the Deadline

Feb 27  |  By Julien Trekker 6-Foot-6 Winger Linked to the New York Rangers at the Trade Deadline

MORE STORIES