NBA Board of Governors Approves Sale of Hornets by Michael Jordan

Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images

The NBA Board of Governors officially approved Michael Jordan's sale of the Charlotte Hornets to an ownership group headed by Gabe Plotkin and Rick Schnall, which is a big move for the organization. After a vote of 29-1 in support of the deal, Jordan's 13-year run as the team's majority owner will end with this approval.

The Hornets experienced highs and lows while Jordan was the team's owner, but ultimately, they fell short of the legendary success Jordan had attained as a player. The team struggled to have a meaningful influence in the postseason, failing to win any playoff series during his ownership with a record of 423-600.

Jordan managed to secure a number of noteworthy accomplishments despite the difficulties the team endured during his ownership. The Charlotte fanbase was pleased with the Hornets' decision to effectively restore the iconic "Hornets" name and franchise records under his direction. Jordan's participation in the draft process also resulted in the selection of promising players like LaMelo Ball and the most recent No. 2 overall choice, Alabama's Brandon Miller, giving the team optimism for a more hopeful future.

Given that the rumored sale price of the Hornets is around $3 billion, it represents a tremendous financial achievement for Jordan. Even though he sold his primary share, he will still control a small portion of the team and continue to be involved with the organization.

Notable individuals like hip-hop artist J. Cole, financier Dan Sundheim, country music sensation Eric Church, and other local Charlotte investors are part of the new ownership group that will acquire control of the Charlotte Hornets. The team hopes to reinvigorate the organization and possibly lead it to greater success, both on and off the court. The group consists of a variety of personalities and professional backgrounds.

For the NBA as a whole, this deal also has broader ramifications. Since Jordan will no longer be the league's dominant owner, the significance of diverse ownership in professional sports is further highlighted.

Hornets fans look forward to seeing how the new ownership will influence the team's future as the ownership change moves forward. There is hope that the team will develop further and perhaps one day become a dominant force in the NBA, with the addition of quality players like LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller.

In conclusion, Michael Jordan's 13-year reign as the main owner of the Charlotte Hornets ends with the NBA Board of Governors' acceptance of the sale. The franchise begins a new chapter under the direction of a new ownership group with high expectations for its future success. Gabe Plotkin and Rick Schnall are the organization's leaders. Jordan's influence on the Hornets and the NBA will endure for years, as long as he remains involved as a minority owner.

Avikshith Janardhan

UMass Amherst class of ‘25

Sport Management major

LinkedIn

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