Jaromir Jagr Sells Majority Stake in the Kladno Knights Hockey Team

Decision to Sell Shares in the Kladno Knights

Jaromir Jagr is a living legend in the world of ice hockey, renowned not only for his outstanding talent but also for his enduring dedication to the sport. Born in the Czech Republic, Jagr built an astoried career filled with impressive records and prestigious accolades. Even today, he remains deeply involved in hockey—not just as a player but also as an investor and team executive.

Recently, Jagr announced that he will sell 80% of his stake in his hometown team, the Kladno Knights, to businessman Tomas Drastil. This move marks an important turning point in Jagr’s career, ushering in a new era both for him and for the team. Although Jagr will retain a minority share, this decision clearly indicates his intent to pursue a different future for the franchise.

The Rationale Behind the Decision

According to both Jagr and Drastil, the primary reason for this decision is to strengthen the club financially. In a challenging economic climate and amid fierce competition in professional sports, having a robust investment partner is crucial to ensuring the team’s sustainable development.

Jagr hopes that this change will lead to even greater success for the Kladno Knights in the future. Jagr acquired full ownership of the Kladno Knights in 2017 when he received a 30% stake from the town. Prior to that, he had held a 70% share since 2011. His involvement as an investor in his hometown team was driven not only by business interests but also by his deep love and passion for hockey.

His Deep Connection with the Kladno Knights

For Jagr, the Kladno Knights are much more than just a team—they are where his professional hockey career began. After being released by the Calgary Flames in 2018, Jagr returned to Kladno, where he had played since his youth. This underscores the deep bond he shares with his hometown club.

Currently, Jagr is in the midst of his 37th professional season, an impressive milestone for any athlete. At 52 years old, he continues to play and contribute for the Kladno Knights. Jagr expressed his satisfaction at completing this season and his desire to lead Kladno to the playoffs for the first time.

Jagr’s Future Plans

Although Jagr has decided to sell the majority of his shares, he has yet to determine his next steps after the season concludes. He mentioned that he will decide his future once the season is over. Fans and the hockey community are eagerly awaiting to see what role Jagr will continue to play in the sport moving forward.

Jagr’s decision is significant not only for the Kladno Knights but also for the entire ice hockey landscape in the Czech Republic. This transfer of ownership could bring a fresh new direction to the team, potentially improving its financial standing and on-ice performance. Jagr has laid the foundation for a brighter future for his hometown club.

Impact on the Hockey Community

Jagr selling a large portion of his stake will also impact the local hockey community in Kladno and its surrounding areas. Jagr is more than just a player; he is an icon who has inspired countless young fans to pursue hockey. His stepping back from a leadership role may present challenges, but it also opens the door for new talent to emerge.

Under new leadership, the Kladno Knights have a tremendous opportunity to grow and excel in both national and international competitions. With the investment from Tomas Drastil, the team can improve its infrastructure, attract new talent, and elevate its competitive level. Jagr hopes that this transition will lead the team to even greater success in the future.

A New Chapter in Jagr’s Career

Jaromir Jagr’s decision to sell the majority of his shares in the Kladno Knights marks a significant turning point in his career. While he will still hold a minority stake, this move indicates that he is preparing for a new chapter in his life. Fans eagerly await Jagr’s next moves—not only as a player but also in other hockey-related endeavours. With his profound passion for the sport, there is no doubt that Jagr will continue to leave an indelible mark on fans and on the history of ice hockey.