With Thrashers gone, which Atlanta team will be sold next?
The Hawks
The seven-man Atlanta Spirit ownership group hasn’t put a public, unambiguous “for sale” sign on the Hawks, as it did on the Thrashers in mid-February. But through its investment banker, the Spirit has had talks with prospective Hawks purchasers over the past year.
Although part-owner Michael Gearon Jr. has said he wants to retain his stake, the group signaled its willingness to sell a majority interest in the team by entering into an exclusive negotiating agreement this spring with John Moores, the outgoing owner of the San Diego Padres. The exclusivity period ended May 20 by mutual agreement after negotiations built little momentum, but Moores is believed to remain interested.
The Braves
When Liberty Media acquired the Braves from Time Warner in 2007, the deal had nothing to do with baseball and everything to do with taxes. It was such an unusual transaction that baseball commissioner Bud Selig insisted on a pledge from Liberty to keep the team for 4 1/2 years — a commitment that expires in a few months.
The Falcons
The Falcons are the bastion of stability among Atlanta’s sports franchises, at least at the ownership level.
Arthur Blank is the dean of the city’s sports owners, approaching his 10th season as Falcons owner. He sold small stakes to five investors in 2009, making seven limited partners in all, but has shown no inclination to sell a larger stake.
Blank attempted to buy the Braves in 2006. His Falcons currently have plenty on their plate business-wise: the NFL lockout and the team’s desire for a new open-air stadium downtown. http://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-thras ... 83536.html
