Jordan remains Hornets owner despite seeking new investors
Michael Jordan is selling a percentage of ownership in the Charlotte Hornets to a pair of New York-based businessmen.
The deal is pending NBA approval, but that is expected to occur quickly, the Charlotte Observer reported.
Jordan’s new partners will be Gabe Plotkin, a founder of Melvin Capital, and Daniel Sundheim, a founder of DI Capital.
How much of the team they will buy has not been disclosed, but the Observer called it “a large piece,” though Jordan will remain the majority owner.
Jordan, a six-time NBA champion, bought the Hornets for about US$180 million in 2010 and controls about 97 per cent of the team’s equity.
Earlier this year, Forbes valued the Hornets at about $1.3 billion — 28th out of the 30 NBA teams.
The Hornets finished 39-43 last season and lost their leader Kemba Walker in free agency in the off-season. They made the playoffs three times this decade, losing in the first round each time.
TROUT TO HAVE SURGERY
Los Angeles Angels star Mike Trout will have surgery on his right foot later this week to repair an injury that has sidelined him since Sept. 7.
With the Angels already eliminated from playoff contention, Trout will turn his attention to the 2020 season.
“Mike is scheduled to undergo surgery to remove the Morton’s neuroma in his right foot later this week,” Angels general manager Billy Eppler said in a statement.
The American League MVP candidate on Monday underwent a cryoablation, a procedure that uses extreme cold to deaden tissues inflaming the nerve area.
Trout leads the AL with 45 homers and a .645 slugging percentage. He is batting .291 with 104 RBIs in 134 games.
SUZUKI HONOURED
The Seattle Mariners presented team legend Ichiro Suzuki with the first Mariners Franchise Achievement Award, giving him a chance to thank the city’s fans for their support.
“This is a happy occasion. When I retired that night in Tokyo, I had an incomplete feeling because the great fans of Seattle could not be there,” said Ichiro, who retired during the Mariners’ season-opening series in Japan in March.
“Tonight I want to express my appreciation to you for your touching support over the years. When I came to Seattle in 2001, no position player had ever come from Japan before. The one you got was 27 years old, small and skinny.
“And I know you had every reason not to accept me. However, you welcomed me with open arms and you have never stopped, even when I left and came back. I was so grateful for the chance to return in 2018 and the reason is you fans.”
Ichiro won both American League MVP and Rookie of the Year honours in 2001. A 10-time all-star, he retired with 3,089 hits and a .311 average in the major leagues. He also played for the New York Yankees (2012-14) and Miami Marlins (2015-17).
Reuters