I've heard the Thrashers are up for sale over the last year, but nothings seemed too serious, so maybe the ASG is just keeping things very hush...hush.
Hawks up for sale?
On the block, the Warriors have attracted 13 bidders, including an unidentified NFL owner; a group of Chinese businessmen and a group including Magic Johnson. The top three to four will be selected this week, and move on to the next phase, when they will be allowed access to the Warriors' financial records. Oracle founder and Warrior fan Larry Ellison did not submit a bid, but he has been sending out signals that the team should go for around $315 million. League officials vehemently disagree, noting that Michael Jordan recently purchased Charlotte for $275 million, and, despite constant losing, the Warriors could fetch close to double what Jordan paid.
Financial experts say that owner Chris Cohan could get $525 million, which seems like an outrageous sum and would top the previous NBA record of $401 million (Phoenix in 2004). Why league officials are thinking at least $500 million is possible: The Bay Area has the highest per-capita income in the nation, the San Francisco market is considered among the best and the Warriors have a history of making money, despite their years of failure on the court. ... Atlanta and Detroit also have put up "For Sale" signs, but those could be up for a long time. Ted Leonsis' deal to take over the Wizards has not closed, but team officials say he's already running a tighter ship than Abe Pollin ever did. ... If James leaves the Cavs, the value of the franchise is projected to drop as much as $150 million, according to league execs. The Cavs are valued at $450 million-475 million.
