If Michael Jordan Sells The Charlotte Hornets, He’ll Be The Undisputed Financial GOAT Of GOATS

There is a rumor swirling round that claims Michael Jordan is in superior talks to promote his majority stake within the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets. Michael presently owns 80% of the Hornets. He’s the ONLY black majority staff proprietor within the NBA.

Michael first purchased a stake within the Hornets in 2006, although on the time they have been known as the Bobcats. He elevated his stake as much as 80% in 2010 when he purchased out unique majority proprietor, BET founder Robert L. Johnson. The staff was formally renamed the Hornets in 2014.

Even with out having a very spectacular report since 2010, the worth of the Hornets has skyrocketed beneath Jordan’s possession. So, if the sale rumors are true, Michael’s monetary windfall will make him the undisputed monetary GOAT of GOATS.

Earlier than we go any additional, let me make clear one thing that can assist with the remainder of the article: There was a staff known as the Hornets within the NBA since 1988. In 2002 the NBA created a brand new staff in Charlotte known as the Bobcats. That very same yr, the Charlotte Hornets moved to New Orleans. Forward of the 2014-2015 season, the New Orleans Hornets turned the Pelicans and the Charlotte Bobcats turned the Hornets.

Johnson Passes TO MJ

Robert L. Johnson turned the primary African American majority proprietor of a significant skilled sports activities staff in the USA when he was awarded the NBA enlargement staff, the Charlotte Bobcats (now often known as the Charlotte Hornets), in December 2002.

Simply two years earlier, Johnson earned a $1 billion fortune when he offered BET to Viacom for $3 billion.

Sadly, simply as Robert was finalizing the Hornets deal, he and his spouse weren’t on nice phrases. They ultimately divorced and Robert agreed to pay Sheila Johnson a $400-500 million settlement, roughly half of his web value on the time.

In 2006 Michael Jordan’s web value was $450 million. And that is AFTER he paid ex-wife Juanita Jordan a $168 million divorce settlement. His web value at the moment was virtually totally attributable to his Nike/Jordan model royalties.

In 2006 Michael purchased a minority stake within the Bobcats from Robert L Johnson.

In 2010 Michael purchased out Robert totally to develop into the staff’s majority proprietor. The worth he paid in 2010 for roughly 90% of the staff?

$175 million

Put one other method, in 2010 Michael’s acquisition valued the Hornets (then known as the Bobcats) at $233 million whole total.

Over time Michael offered off small parts of his Hornets fairness, lowering his possession right down to 80%. One of many major patrons has been a hedge fund supervisor named Gabe Plotkin. If that identify sounds acquainted, it is as a result of Gabe is the founding father of a hedge fund known as Melvin Capital. Melvin was the first goal of a bunch of reddit meme “stonk” merchants who orchestrated the legendary 2021 Gamestop brief squeeze.

Gabe’s hedge fund could have been murdered, however apparently his personal private funds managed to outlive the assault as a result of he’s now the main investor within the rumored buyout of Michael’s Hornets possession.

How A lot Are The Hornets Price?

The brief reply:

$2 billion

And that is a conservative minimal. As a comp, in December the Phoenix Suns have been acquired for $4 billion.

The league’s most respected staff, the Golden State Warriors, are value round $8 billion.

How A lot Will Michael Make?

Let’s assume the Hornets promote for $2 billion. That might imply an 80% stake can be value $1.6 billion. Let’s assume between buy prices and different operational prices Michael has spent $250 million over his years as proprietor. That leaves $1.35 billion in taxable positive factors. Michael’s major residence is Florida, which doesn’t have a state tax. After my fast serviette math, Michael will clear round…

$1.1 billion

That is $1.1 billion after direct taxes deposited into his checking account. For a staff that has made the playoffs simply 3 times beneath his 17 seasons of possession (dropping within the first spherical every time) and solely had 4 whole seasons with profitable information. Even with that efficiency, he’ll stroll away with a bit greater than an inexpensive revenue. If this does not cement Michael’s standing because the GOAT of all GOATS, nothing will.