Vincent Viola
Chairman, Owner and Governor
Miami Connection
Viola's ownership has elevated the Florida Panthers to NHL elite status, delivering back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2024 and 2025, sparking widespread hockey enthusiasm across South Florida and the Sunshine State. His investments in smart hires like GM Bill Zito and coach Paul Maurice, plus player acquisitions, built a sustainable powerhouse in Sunrise. Through the Florida Panthers Foundation and community initiatives, he has positively impacted South Floridians' lives while growing the sport locally.
About
Born in Brooklyn, New York in 1956, Vincent Viola is a U.S. Military Academy at West Point graduate, New York Law School alumnus, and U.S. Army veteran. He built a finance career as co-founder and Chairman Emeritus of Virtu Financial, former Chairman of the New York Mercantile Exchange, and founder of trading firms. In 2013, he purchased the Florida Panthers, shifting focus to South Florida by becoming Chairman, Owner, and Governor of Sunrise Sports & Entertainment. Under his leadership, the Panthers achieved their first Stanley Cup in 2024, followed by back-to-back wins in 2025, along with multiple Presidents' Trophies and Prince of Wales Trophies. He currently oversees the franchise's operations and the Florida Panthers Foundation.