Why Not Us?

Various news outlets report that 34 year old technology billionaire Robert Pera submitted an offer to purchase the Memphis Grizzles for approximately $350 million.  The NBA Board of Governor is reportedly reviewing the specifics of the deal and will either approve or deny sale.

I wish someone would buy the Atlanta Hawks from the Atlanta Spirit Group.  The Birds need a single owner, i.e. an Arthur Blank type, with lots of money and a desire to not only spend money but also build a championship caliber organization.  Unfortunately, the Atlanta Spirit is the opposite.   They appear to lack the necessary funds and desire to spend money on marque player and coaches.  When they do spend money, they overpay the wrong guys, i.e. Joe Johnson and Marvin Williams.

Alternatively, I think it would be cool if the Hawks could be a publically owned team, i.e. the Green Bay Packers.  The team would be a nonprofit and fans could purchase shares to raise profits for the team.  This ownership method would build fan support because the community would have a vested interest in the success of the team because they would be partial owners.  Who has not dreamed of owning a professional franchise? Although shareholders could not vote on personnel issues, the organization would hold an annual shareholders’ meeting and owners would have access to exclusive owner merchandise and player meet-and-greets.

Atlanta is a city that loves basketball.  We just need a superstar and team we can get behind.  Until we get quality ownership, the team and its fan base will never live up to its potential.