When you’re number 1 in the Eastern Conference and on the top of the NBA’s standings you would figure all is well with the organization, right?
Not exactly the case in Atlanta, as the 3 different current ownership groups, who’s infighting has hindered the franchise in the past as they would have controversy amongst themselves for power, have agreed to sell the team to a group or an individual willing to buy the team.
Now according to some reports, there are a few big names that are interested.
The Following from the Atlanta Journal Constitution’s Chris Vivlamore, who lists some potential suitors.
– Jason Levian. The former Memphis Grizzlies CEO left the organization in May. He is a co-owner of the MLS franchise D.C. United.
– Steve Kaplan: The Los Angeles-based investor joined Robert Pera’s group as a limited investor to purchase the Memphis Grizzlies. He has reportedly made attempts to buy baseball’s San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers in recent years.
– Sheldon Adelson: The billionaire businessman is the chairman and CEO of the Las Vegas Sands Corporation.
– Byran Colangelo: The former President and CEO of the Toronto Raptors. The son of Jerry Colangelo, he was the NBA’s 2005 and 2007 Executive of the Year.
– Grant Hill: The former NBA player and current analyst joined Antony Ressler and Bruce Karsh with a $1.2 billion failed bid to by the Los Angeles Clippers. Hill deflected questions about his interest in the Hawks during a recent segment on NBA TV.
There have also been rumors from previous reports of other wanting to invest in the team in the form of: Dikembe Mutombo, Chris Webber, entertainment lawyer Doug Davis, and Jesse Itzler, the rapper who has done some consulting work for the Hawks and is often seen at the games.
But, according to ESPN and Grantland’s Bill Simmons, there may be a city looking to bring the team back.
Hearing Hawks owners want team to stay in Atlanta. BUT – hearing Thomas Tull and Chris Hansen have separate Hawks-to-Seattle bids planned.
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) January 6, 2015
Kurt Helin of NBC’s Probasketballtalk sees some issues with this potential move and doesn’t see it happening.
I will tell you I have heard that there is almost zero chance of that happening. The NBA wants to keep a team in Atlanta, one of its key markets in the South. Think back to how hard Adam Silver worked to keep the Kings in Sacramento — he does not want to give up on a market that has not given up on the team. Atlanta has not, their attendance and television ratings have had big leaps this season as the Hawks have come together on the court and have the best record in the East.
Plus, remember that the NBA is very tight partners with Turner Broadcasting, which runs NBA TV, broadcasts Thursday showcase games on TNT (plus has the brilliant Inside the NBA) and also runs the Internet powerhouse Bleacher Report, which has heavy NBA content. Turner’s headquarters is in Atlanta, not far at all from Phillips Arena.
On top of that there are serious financial issues in trying to move the Hawks — there is a $75 million lease buyout right now plus the owners would have to pay off bonds used to renovate the arena. We’re talking a lot of cash added on top of an already steep sales price.
It sure will be interesting to see what happens to the best team in the Eastern conference and if they will be sold by season’s end and to who.
