AP: Nets Open To Offers, But Say No Sale Is Imminent
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) — A spokesperson for Mikhail Prokhorov said on Tuesday the Nets' owner is open to offers for the team but that no sale is imminent.
Bloomberg News, citing two people with direct knowledge of the matter, reported Tuesday that Prokhorov had retained Evercore Partners to sell the team.
BREAKING: Prokhorov Said to Explore Sale of @BrooklynNets Basketball Team http://t.co/SLhPoGHwq0 #sportsbiz #nba
— Scott Soshnick (@soshnick) January 13, 2015
Prokhorov, a Russian billionaire who bought 80 percent of the team in 2010, said earlier this season he was willing to listen to offers for a minority share of the club but wouldn't sell his majority stake.
Ellen Pinchuk, in a statement Tuesday, said there is "nothing imminent in terms of a sale of any stake in the team."
Proko getting the Nets to Brooklyn was huge but the rest of his owning tenure was a full fledged debacle
— Evan Roberts (@EvanRobertsWFAN) January 13, 2015
Prokhorov also owns 45 percent of Barclays Center, where the Nets play their home games.
The Nets are off to a disappointing 16-22 start and earlier this season were reportedly ready to listen to offers for many of their top players.
NBA values are skyrocketing & could continue to rise when new TV money gets doled out. #Nets' value close to rock bottom right now.
— Steve Lichtenstein (@SteveLichtenst1) January 13, 2015
Brooklyn will next play Wednesday night at home against Memphis. Veteran power forward Kevin Garnett will miss the game after being suspended for head-butting Houston's Dwight Howard on Monday night.
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