The Ottawa Senators bidding war is about a lot more than ticket sales and star power

Snoop Dogg shouted out Canada's First Nations in his ongoing social media campaign to promote his bid to buy the NHL's Ottawa Senators. Snoop posted a video to Instagram in a recording studio and wearing an Ottawa Senators jersey. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout: Instagram @snoopdogg

A bidding war has erupted over the NHL’s Ottawa Senators, and fans are as starstruck by the names involved as they are sticker-shocked by the price.

Four groups submitted final bids on May 15 and at least one reached US$1 billion. Two remaining groups boast major stars.