Report: Reynolds out of bidding for Senators

Ryan Reynolds won't be part of the new ownership group of the Ottawa Senators, as the actor's bid for the club isn't moving forward, reports ESPN's Emily Kaplan.

Reynolds' request for an exclusive window to finalize the deal was declined, adds Kaplan.

The "Deadpool" star was aligned with a bid from real estate mogul Christopher Bratty's Remington Group. The consortium was reportedly prepared to offer $1 billion for the team, which Forbes valued at $800 million in December.

Reynolds' group had pledged to improve the Canadian Tire Centre - where the Senators currently play - and look into building a new downtown arena, according to Postmedia's Bruce Garrioch.

Two more celebrities recently joined the pursuit to purchase the Senators. Earlier this month, Snoop Dogg confirmed he's part of a group fronted by L.A.-based entrepreneur Neko Sparks. On Saturday, reports indicated the Weeknd is bidding with the Harlo Capital Group. That bid is spearheaded by Toronto billionaires Jeffrey and Michael Kimel, who recently sold their share in the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Others to have reportedly met with Senators CFO Erin Crowe and president of business operations Anthony LeBlanc include fellow Toronto billionaire Steve Apostolopoulos (who made a $6-billion bid on the NFL's Washington Commanders), Vivek Ranadive (who owns the NBA's Sacramento Kings), and Michael Andlauer, who owns the OHL's Brantford Bulldogs.

The deadline for interested parties to submit final offers is Monday. The Senators' longtime owner, Eugene Melnyk, died in March of last year. His daughters, Anna and Olivia, took over control of the club upon his death. They hired New York-based firm Galatioto Sports Partners to oversee the sale.

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