NFL Rumors: NBA legend Magic Johnson in talks to buy stake in legendary franchise
The Las Vegas Raiders could soon have a new part owner. Former three-time NBA MVP Magic Johnson is rumored to be interested in owning a stake in the NFL team.
According to Semafor, current Raiders owner Mark Davis recently received an offer from an unnamed interested party worth an astonishing $6.5 billion. It has been reported that Johnson has been assembling a potential ownership team in recent weeks. The $6.5 billion deal, which is by no means official, would be a record for an NFL team. It would be the most expensive team in all sports, too.
Johnson's firm currently owns a stake in the Los Angeles Dodgers as well as companies like Starbucks and Burger King. The Raiders would be another notch in his company's belt.
This is not the first time he has expressed interest in the team. In fact, about a decade ago, he was interested in investing in a bid to bring the team back to Los Angeles, the city in which he played basketball.
That ultimately never materialized, as the team eventually moved to Las Vegas a couple of years ago and the former NBA star wasn't involved.
Why Magic Johnson buying the Las Vegas Raiders would be a good idea
Whenever new ownership is brought into the NFL, it's usually a good thing. Many families have owned NFL teams for decades, and fresh takes on how things should go are always a good idea. NFL teams do not get sold often, so when they do, it's usually a net positive.
Additionally, the NFL has long struggled with diversity in ownership. Very few owners (whether that's a majority or a minority owner) are minorities. Magic Johnson would increase that number.
The Raiders themselves have had issues in that department, too. Their former head coach Jon Gruden is currently embroiled in a lawsuit over his racist, sexist and otherwise offensive comments while a member of their team.
The franchise isn't tainted because of it, as it's not likely they wanted Gruden to do or say those things. However, bringing in a minority owner would at least paint the franchise in a more positive light.