TAMPA, Fla. ó The owners of the Asheville (N.C.) Tourists have sold the Tampa Bay Lightning, a National Hockey League team, and the St. Pete Times Forum to a group of investors.

Palace Sports & Entertainment released no selling price in the sale. However, the company acknowledged losses of more than $60 million since purchasing the team and the Forum in 1999. Palace, which also owns the Detroit Pistons, bought the Tourists in 2005 for $6 million.

If the sale clears, the biggest change will be in to whom the Tourists report, according to Tom Wilson, Palace Sportsí chief executive officer. Detroit will be managing the Asheville club instead of Tampa Bay. Wilson also said the Tourists are not for sale and that his company is committed to building a profitable sports franchise in Asheville. The Tourists will continue to report to Tampa Bay until the sale is completed.

While Asheville drew a franchise single-season record 167,745 fans last year, it likely will fall short of that total this year.