George Nield Gillett Jr. Obituary, DENVER, Colo. — George Nield Gillett Jr., the American businessman whose ventures spanned broadcasting, skiing, media, food processing and professional sports, died on September 22, 2026, in Denver, Colorado. He was 87.
Born on October 22, 1938, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Gillett developed a lifelong passion for sports that would eventually become one of the defining features of his career. He graduated from Lake Forest Academy in 1956 and earned his degree from Dominican College of Racine in 1961. His early professional years included work in marketing and management consulting, including time with McKinsey & Co., before he began building a diverse business career.
Gillett’s involvement in professional sports began with the Miami Dolphins. In 1966, he became a partner and business manager of the team and acquired a 20 percent stake for $1 million. He later sold that interest for $3 million and used the proceeds to acquire the Harlem Globetrotters. Under his ownership, the Globetrotters underwent an aggressive marketing effort that helped revitalize the brand, including the development of a popular cartoon series.
His sports portfolio grew considerably over the following decades. In 2001, Gillett purchased an 80 percent interest in the Montreal Canadiens and the team’s arena, the Molson Centre, for $185 million. Although his acquisition initially prompted concerns about the future location of the historic franchise, the Canadiens remained in Montreal during his ownership. In 2009, he sold the team to the Molson brothers in a deal reportedly valued at $550 million.
Gillett also became involved in NASCAR, purchasing a controlling interest in Evernham Motorsports in 2007. A subsequent merger with Petty Enterprises in 2009 created Richard Petty Motorsports, one of the prominent organizations in the sport. Gillett remained involved with the organization until selling his stake following the 2010 season.
His most internationally scrutinized sports venture came in 2007, when he and fellow American businessman Tom Hicks acquired Liverpool Football Club in a deal valued at approximately £435 million. Their ownership period was marked by financial difficulties, disagreements and protests from supporters. The club was ultimately sold to New England Sports Ventures in 2010. During the ownership dispute, Gillett said publicly that he and his family had received death threats from angry supporters.
Beyond the teams he owned, Gillett explored opportunities involving several other major sports franchises. He expressed interest in acquiring NHL teams including the Florida Panthers, New York Islanders, Ottawa Senators and Phoenix Coyotes, and participated in an unsuccessful effort to purchase the Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche and Pepsi Center. He also partnered with Joey Saputo in an effort to bring Major League Soccer to Montreal, though the bid was eventually withdrawn because of financial constraints.
Gillett’s career was defined by ambitious investments and a willingness to enter diverse industries, but his connection to sports remained a central part of his public legacy. His family, friends and those who knew him are now mourning his passing and remembering a businessman whose passion for sports shaped decades of ownership across North American and international competition. Condolences are extended to his family, friends and loved ones as they remember George Nield Gillett Jr. and his life of business, sports and entrepreneurship. May he rest in peace.
