The Carolina Hurricanes have welcomed three new minority investors to their ownership group, a move announced by majority owner Tom Dundon.[1] Brett Jefferson, Marc Grandisson, and former NHL player Bobby Farnham now hold stakes in the franchise, bringing diverse expertise from finance, insurance, and hockey. Dundon emphasized their value, stating, “Brett, Marc and Bobby are accomplished business executives whose experiences and knowledge will help us continue to grow our team’s success and impact in the Triangle.”[1] Jefferson resides locally in Durham, Grandisson plans to relocate to Raleigh soon, and Farnham offers unique insights as an ex-player.
This addition strengthens the Hurricanes’ leadership at a time when the team is building momentum toward contention. Dundon retains majority control and lead governor duties. The new owners will be introduced to fans and media on March 18 before the home game against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Profiles of the new minority owners
Brett Jefferson
Brett Jefferson founded Hildene Capital Management, where he serves as president and co-chief investment officer, specializing in structured finance investments.[1] With over 30 years in the field, including prior roles at Marathon Structured Finance Fund, Salomon Smith Barney, and Chase Securities, he oversees all investment decisions. Jefferson holds a BA from Syracuse University, where he was part of the 1988 national champion lacrosse team, and a master’s from Northwestern’s Kellogg School.
His local ties run deep; a Durham resident and Hurricanes season ticket holder, Jefferson lives with his wife Cathy and three children. Philanthropy plays a big role too—he supports The Tewaaraton Foundation for lacrosse and Team IMPACT for children with illnesses. Recently, Hildene agreed to merge with Jefferies Financial Group and acquire SILAC Insurance, signaling continued growth Hildene Capital.
Jefferson’s investment acumen and community involvement position him to contribute meaningfully to the Hurricanes’ Triangle footprint. His experience in reinsurance and structured products aligns with sports franchise financing needs.
Marc Grandisson
Marc Grandisson brings decades from the insurance world, notably as CEO of Arch Capital Group Ltd. from 2018 until his retirement in October 2024.[1] A Canadian from Chicoutimi, Quebec, he earned an actuarial science degree from Université Laval and an MBA from Wharton. His career included stints at Towers Watson, Berkshire Hathaway, and F&G Re, plus Fellow status in the Casualty Actuarial Society.
At Arch, Grandisson navigated complex reinsurance markets, building a reputation for strategic growth. Married to Martine with three daughters, he plans to settle in Raleigh, enhancing local influence. His expertise in risk management could prove invaluable for a sports team facing arena deals and expansions.
Grandisson’s transition to retirement opened doors for this investment, blending his professional legacy with passion for hockey. Observers note his calm leadership style as a fit for the Hurricanes’ stable environment.
Bobby Farnham
Bobby Farnham, 37, transitions from the ice to the boardroom after a pro career spanning 67 NHL games with Pittsburgh, New Jersey, and Montreal, plus over 400 AHL contests.[1] From North Andover, Massachusetts, he graduated from Brown University in Commerce, Organizations & Entrepreneurship and later Harvard Business School.
Post-retirement, Farnham co-founded Fourth Line Capital, focusing on real estate and direct investments, and ties into his family’s Market Basket supermarket ownership. Living in Boston with wife Brittany and son Bo, he offers player perspective to ownership decisions. His gritty style earned a cult following, known for energy and toughness.
Farnham’s dual hockey and business background bridges the gap between rink and front office. Dundon highlighted this uniquely, noting his positioning to aid forward momentum.
Deal background and valuation
Tom Dundon agreed to sell a 12.5% stake in the Hurricanes at a $2.66 billion enterprise valuation, roughly $332.5 million, as reported by Sportico.[2] The NHL owners approved the transaction recently, formalizing the minority investments without altering Dundon’s control. Terms were handled by LionTree Advisors and Smith Anderson.
This values the Hurricanes among the league’s elite, reflecting playoff consistency, the Lenovo Center, and market growth. Dundon bought the team in 2018 and took full control in 2021 by buying out Peter Karmanos and others. Last summer, he led the purchase of the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers.
The deal underscores investor appetite for NHL franchises amid rising revenues from media and expansion. No exact split among the three was disclosed, but each holds minority interest.
Such infusions often fund facilities or analytics, though Dundon stressed continuity. Financial opacity keeps focus on strategic fit.
Dundon’s ownership era and Hurricanes momentum
Since 2018, Dundon has transformed the Hurricanes from middling to perennial contenders, investing in scouting, development, and facilities. His sole ownership since 2021 allowed bold moves like arena renovations.
Recent offseason signings of K’Andre Miller and Nikolaj Ehlers bolstered the roster for 2025-26 aspirations Carolina Hurricanes offseason signings. Standouts like Seth Jarvis and Pyotr Kochetkov highlight depth.
In January power rankings, the Hurricanes climbed as challengers, fueled by wins over Dallas, Winnipeg, and Boston NHL power rankings January 2026. Captain Jordan Staal’s goal streak and Jaccob Slavin’s return signal playoff potential.
Dundon’s multi-sport portfolio, now including Blazers, shows savvy diversification. New owners amplify this without disrupting operations.
The group eyes sustained impact in the Triangle, blending business smarts with hockey passion.
These additions signal stability amid contention pushes. With NHL approval secured official announcement, fans anticipate March 18 intros. Expect enhanced resources for cup chases, as Dundon’s vision evolves collaboratively—what it means for playoffs remains exciting.
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Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.