Obama May Consider Becoming NBA Owner

The Chicago sports fan has spoken of his interest in calling the shots as the head of an NBA franchise after next year.

10:26, UK, Thursday 23 June 2016


Mr Obama would need to raise $1.25bn for an average NBA franchise

President Barack Obama may consider becoming an NBA owner after he leaves the White House in January, according to reports.

The 54-year-old has "discussed" being part of a conglomerate for an NBA franchise, according to press secretary Josh Earnest.

Mr Earnest told ESPN the President may pursue the opportunity "potentially ... under the right circumstances".

Mr Obama is known for supporting Chicago's sports teams.


The US President courtside at a Chicago Bulls game in October


He has been spotted courtside at various games in the last few years, including when the Chicago Bulls took on the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2015-16 season opener in October.

Mr Obama has spoken of his interest at becoming an NBA owner in the past, telling GQ Magazine in November he would "absolutely" want to part of a conglomerate group.

In that interview, he said: "I have fantasized about being able to put together a team and how much fun that would be. I think it'd be terrific."
But he would need to raise plenty of money to become an NBA owner.

According to Forbes, the average NBA team was worth $1.25bn six months ago.

http://news.sky.com/story/1716231/ob...ming-nba-owner