Exploring New Opportunities: Buss Brothers Consider Investing in Athletics
The sports world is abuzz with the news that Joey and Jesse Buss, former Lakers executives, are exploring the possibility of pursuing an ownership stake in baseball’s Athletics. According to sources familiar with the discussions, the Buss brothers have been in preliminary talks, although it is unclear whether these discussions will result in a deal. As sons of the legendary Lakers owner Jerry Buss, Joey and Jesse have a deep understanding of the sports industry and have recently launched Buss Sports Capital to pursue high-impact investment opportunities.
Background and Context
In September, the Buss brothers announced the launch of Buss Sports Capital, aiming to partner with forward-thinking professionals to unlock new opportunities in professional sports. This move came after they retained their stakes in Lakers ownership, despite the team’s majority ownership being acquired by Dodgers owner Mark Walter in October. The Lakers’ front office operations are currently being assessed by Andrew Friedman and Farhan Zaidi, following the departure of Joey Buss as vice president of research and development and Jesse Buss as assistant general manager.
The Athletics, on the other hand, are undergoing significant changes, having left Oakland after the 2024 season and planning to move to Las Vegas in 2028. The team’s owner, John Fisher, has secured $380 million in public funding for the construction of a new stadium, estimated to cost around $2 billion. Fisher has been seeking minority investors to generate $500 million toward stadium costs, valuing the team at $2 billion. The team has posted four consecutive losing seasons but is rebuilding toward their planned 2028 arrival in Las Vegas, with a promising core of position players.
Implications and Future Prospects
If the Buss brothers were to invest in the Athletics, it could bring a new dynamic to the team’s ownership and potentially lead to exciting developments in the future. With their experience in the sports industry and their commitment to unlocking new opportunities, the Buss brothers could be a valuable asset to the team. However, it is essential to note that the discussions are still preliminary, and it remains to be seen whether a deal will be reached.
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