Oracle CEO Larry Ellison trying to buy NBA franchise Golden State Warriors
by Atma Brother ONE on Jan 27, 2010 3:22 PM PST
in News
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PrintUPDATE (6:01pm): The first guy in the Warriors (malpractice) operation that any half intelligent new owner would fire first thing is downplaying everyone's fun- Warriors' Exec Downplays Ellison Talk of Buying Team [CSN Bay Area]
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UPDATE (3:54pm): GSoM buddy Tim Kawakami has tons of more info in Ellison confirms he's trying to buy the Warriors (Cohan confirms he's still a ghost)
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Mr. Ellison put the Oracle in the Arena at Oakland.
Dubs Nation put the Roaracle in the Oracle Arena.
This is going to work out just fine folks.
via www.nba.com
The 411 and some retro linkage after the jump!
From MarketWatch (The Wall Street Journal):
At a public event held at Oracle's (ORCL 23.87, +0.01, +0.04%) Redwood Shores, Calif., headquarters, Ellison responded to a plea from an audience member that he buy the Warriors by responding: "I'm trying, I'm trying."
Keep trying Mr. Ellison. We're rooting for you!
"Unfortunately, you can't have a hostile takeover of a basketball team," Ellison quipped.
That's probably true, but let me remind everybody that Chris Cohan did not exactly assume majority ownership of the Warriors in the friendliest manner- see SPECIAL REPORT / The man who owns the Warriors / Cohan's rocky reign / An era marked by lost games lost fans and endless litigation [SF Gate]
There's quite a legacy of this topic and GSoM and rather than rehashing old sentiments and analysis, I'll just direct you to the archives:
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Polling GSoM: Do you want Chris Cohan to sell the Golden State Warriors to Larry Ellison?
- RUMOR: Chris Cohan IS INDEED interested in selling Warriors and was in negotiations with Larry Ellison
- Q&A: Marcus Thompson - Contra Costa Times / InsideBayArea.com (Part 2 of 3)- Don Nelson's media downfall, Chris Mullin as a front office hire, Chris Cohan's closeness to selling the Golden State Warriors
- SPECIAL REPORT: The man who owns the Warriors. Cohan's rocky reign. An era marked by lost games, lost fans and endless litigation [SFGate]
- RUMOR: Warriors owner Chris Cohan "highly likely" to sell
- Polling GSoM: Are you really that surprised that PR director Raymond Ridder and the Golden State Warriors got caught "astroturfing"? (5/23/09)
- At the Press Conference: Write "Sell the Warriors" (8/29/06)
- Missing Signatures (4/19/06)
- Rise to the Occasion (3/17/06)
- 2005-2006 REPORT CARD: Chris Cohan and Robert Rowell (8/23/09)
- BREAKING NEWS: Ice Cube Purchases the Warriors (4/1/06)
- We Want Larry! (7/25/09)
- San Jose SuperSonics in 2k8 (7/18/06)
- NBA Draft 2006: Chris Cohan is happy the draft isn't in the Bay (6/28/07)
- The Dirty Dozen - Part 1 of 3 (9/11/06)
- IRS Stressing Warrior Owner Chris Cohan (5/19/09)
- NBA Payroll Playpen and Cohanomics (11/30/07)
- WARRIORSist (6/6/06)
- RUMOR: Chris Cohan and Robert Rowell said no to Kevin Garnett because of additional salary and the luxury tax (5/16/09)
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Beat you to posting this ;)
But an actual question for anyone who can remember. How long did it take Oklahoma City owner to buy the Sonics? How long did it take Cuban to buy Dallas?
My gut feeling is Cohan won’t sell at a discounted rate, and of what I know of Ellison, he won’t overpay. Meaning this could be a long process. General buyouts and change of ownership of any company take time, and the switching of a sports franchise could only be more complicated.
My ultimate point…. We probably won’t get Lebron, DWade or Bosh
there were rumors Schultz wanted to sell the Sonics as early as spring 2005. the actual sale happened in July 2006 to the PBC.
there was a Seattle times article from April 2006 (i believe) where Clay Bennett was identified as a possible buyer, and he even stated in the article his interest in bringing a team to OKC and that the Sonics were “on his list of possibilities” we don’t know who else Schultz’ group was possibly going to sell the team to, but there was speculation of a group from San Jose and a possible local interest. basically the Sonics case is different (very underhanded) becuase the buyers weren’t known like Ellison with the Warriors.
the thing to note is that the Sonics ownership group was made up of about 54 minority owners, with a 9 member board. and the process probably took longer to sell with so many voices of input (my guess)…and there was a 5-4 vote to sell the team to Bennett’s PBC.
by Brickowski BOOM on Jan 27, 2010 4:10 PM PST up reply actions
How do we know the process hasn't been going on for a while already?
If BrickowskiBoom is accurate it took a year since the rumors came up. It’s getting closer and closer to a year since the rumors first came up for us but if he isn’t just blowing smoke when he says “I’m trying I’m trying” it could be a shorter process than 1st thought. But only if this has been in discussions a while. According to TK they agreed on EVERYTHING but price so this must have been going on for a while.
Rookie: "Why did you bench me?"
Nellie: "You're a rookie"
I don't of course..
But I’m just saying the history of both Cohan and Ellison makes me think it’ll be drawn out. Cohan isn’t desperate to sell, and Ellison is not a man to overpay, no matter how wealthy he is (which for those of you thinking he’ll be mark cuban he won’t).
If we’re lucky it’ll change hands over the end of season before the draft. And if we’re lucky, Ellison will bring in new competent management. I like Riley and Nellie and all those guys, but as a Warriors fan I wouldn’t cry if we brought in a more ‘cutting edge’ management like say Houston’s. As a huge A’s fan I can only hope one day my Warriors will reflect the same type of management….
Ellison will buy them and move them to SF
It’s just a better business decision. I personally love the Oakland location, but, if the warriors had a downtown arena in SF they could be considered a big market team and charge the premium the lakers can. Then, who gives a crap about the luxury tax? It’ll be rough on the wallet but it’s not like Warriors games are cheap anyways.
Sounds good
They obviously are still in California so the Golden State name will stick and a New Roaracle Arena will be great too. A Cubanesque turnaround of this franchise is much needed.
Win the inning.
by Scooter Ellis on Jan 27, 2010 3:47 PM PST up reply actions
A move is the only thing that would worry me
but if its only to San Francisco, that would be just absolutely fine with me
I don't know. That just doesn't make sense to me when he already has an arena named after his company.
by GoldenStateGuerrero on Jan 27, 2010 4:25 PM PST up reply actions
I imagine that if he moves them to SF, it would just be a new Oracle Arena.
by samuraaaaiiiiiii on Jan 27, 2010 4:36 PM PST up reply actions
They won't move to SF
The attendance is already great for a losing team, and once they get good again, the place will be packed on a nightly basis. Plus it has the largest capacity arena of any team in California. No need to move it to SF when they have a prefectly good arena right now, with what has shown to be the best crowd in the league at times. If Ellison takes over, then he will be smart enough to save money by not building a new arena, and spend money on becoming a better team and market the team better than Cohan and company has.
Knock down the dung Heap that is Cow Palace!
And build a new state of the art facility there!
Jan 16 2010 - Onlxn quote on Stephen Curry - "one of the worst playmakers in basketball"
by BritWarriorGSW on Jan 27, 2010 5:09 PM PST up reply actions
Or just do a major remodel job
Euro Players Rock! Go Warriors!
by monta.da.boss on Jan 27, 2010 5:33 PM PST up reply actions
As much as I would love having the warriors on this side of the bay
with the way SF is in regards to building ANYTHING, I’d highly doubt it would happen.
I hope
he buys the team but i would like for the team to remain in Oakland. I love the Golden State Warriors not the San Francisco Warriors. It just would be the same.
Golden State Warriors Fan 4 Life!!!
The Golden Future
PF: Anthony Randolph
PG: Stephen Curry
Can't wait until GS wins a championship!!!
Moving to SF would be great
now you can get to the game without being in traffic for 2 hours
and in a much nicer, cleaner city where the public transportation is available.
Euro Players Rock! Go Warriors!
by monta.da.boss on Jan 27, 2010 5:04 PM PST up reply actions
You can use Bart to Oracle
And the traffic issue depends on where you are. For me it’s a non issue.
Rookie: "Why did you bench me?"
Nellie: "You're a rookie"
And plus being in east bay
I don’t need to pay for a toll considering crossing bay bridge. So really it depends where you lived
Win Or Lose Warriors For Life.........
Who says
that the team wouldn’t remain Golden State if they moved to SF?
It sure “would be the same” :P.
I meant wouldn't lol
my bad
Golden State Warriors Fan 4 Life!!!
The Golden Future
PF: Anthony Randolph
PG: Stephen Curry
Can't wait until GS wins a championship!!!
but our retro uniforms...
already says San Francisco =P
I wouldn't really care
SF would probably be a better drive for me, but it wouldn’t be a huge issue.
by Reverend_Randy on Jan 27, 2010 6:53 PM PST up reply actions
I'm not sure why he'd move him though right away to SF
Oracle as of now is perfectly fine and has made him a lot of money. We may move to SF stadium wise but not name wise. But don’t count on it in the 1st year or 2
Rookie: "Why did you bench me?"
Nellie: "You're a rookie"
PLEASE!
I am so excited and I just can’t hide it. Dumdumdum
Good Lord, I am singing….
"It really is a choice of whatever rotten fruit you fancy least." (Kelly Dwyer about NBA Franchise owner)
WOW
this is great news if Ellison is allowed to buy. Not sure about them moving though
by GoldenSt8OfMind on Jan 27, 2010 4:14 PM PST reply actions
Shoulda had a buncha GSOM people go to the public event in RWS and start a LGW chant or something and everyone bust out Warriors gear…too late I guess.
You know I spit technique to the freshest freak
Gimme a call you will see results in just a week
With the soul of a LOST HAWK
Is there a heaven for a Rap Cat, let's talk
I wish Cohan could see the poll.
But I bet he already assumes all the crap we talk about him now.
Warriors, Stupidest franchise in the league.
I told Randolph that Bill Russell would tell him to keep that ball in play and start the break.
RANDOLPH: "I know. But sometimes, you gotta let ‘em know."
(MT)
I'm sure he's on here every day
YOU SUCK COHAN
by GoldenSt8OfMind on Jan 27, 2010 4:47 PM PST up reply actions
There are apparently 8 people named Chris Cohan or Robert Rowell who read Golden State of Mind.
by samuraaaaiiiiiii on Jan 27, 2010 4:38 PM PST reply actions
Im hoping this deal goes through before next year.
Big players will be on the market, and Ellison obviously has the money to sign these players.
Not to mention the fresh outlook it would give to free agents!!
If he does buy the team, maybe it will start to dissolve the negative stigma around the league that this isnt a suitable home for top flight free agents. He certainly has the pockets to put together a playoff worthy team, which should go a long way towards the Bosh Amare DWades lookin at us as a possible home.
Deep pockets don't equal wins... But anything is an upgrade as of now
Look at Dan Snyder……………..
Rookie: "Why did you bench me?"
Nellie: "You're a rookie"
This would be a huge coup.....
Big enough to attract LeBron to come play with Ellis and Curry?? and maybe Bosh??
i.e. no trades this year…dump the expirings…and make a big bucks play for…(if possible?)
Starting 5….
Curry
Ellis
LeBron
Bosh
Biedrins
with a bench of:
Magette
Randolph
Buike
Morrow
Bell
Turiaf
Wright
Tolliver
Martin/CJ
Oh dear lord!….. THAT I believe…would be a championship contender?
Is this even possible? to get rid of Claxton, George, Hunter, Radman, CJ, Moores contract will be gone….. who am I missing?
Anyway we can make that happen IF someones pockets are deep enough?
Jan 16 2010 - Onlxn quote on Stephen Curry - "one of the worst playmakers in basketball"
I meant can we...as in a question...I dont know?
Jan 16 2010 - Onlxn quote on Stephen Curry - "one of the worst playmakers in basketball"
by BritWarriorGSW on Jan 27, 2010 5:11 PM PST up reply actions
oh endulge.....
:-)
That’s exactly what I was asking… how much over the cap would the above be? Luxury tax be damned ad all that!
C’mon…its a bit of fun at such news…
Jan 16 2010 - Onlxn quote on Stephen Curry - "one of the worst playmakers in basketball"
by BritWarriorGSW on Jan 27, 2010 5:22 PM PST up reply actions
We have $53 million money guaranteed next year, unless Vlad turns down his PO.
Most estimates put the salary cap at $54 M, ish.
by Reverend_Randy on Jan 27, 2010 6:59 PM PST up reply actions
Can you explain with who?
I.e, Do we have to try to get rid of Maggette’s contract still? to make a big money play for two all-stars, or do we have to trade say Ellis, Magette and Beans for expirings to make it happen…??
I am looking here at what would have to happen to bring in a LeBron and Bosh package? If at all possible? and bearing in mind… the Cap is set so as not to incur the Luxury tax yes? But someone like Ellison may say ‘be damned with the lux tax..I wanna win’…. again I dont know if that is even posssible?
Jan 16 2010 - Onlxn quote on Stephen Curry - "one of the worst playmakers in basketball"
by BritWarriorGSW on Jan 28, 2010 3:11 AM PST up reply actions
That would
definatly be a championship contender. I couldn’t only imagine that kind of team for Golden State in real life and in NBA 2K10
Golden State Warriors Fan 4 Life!!!
The Golden Future
PF: Anthony Randolph
PG: Stephen Curry
Can't wait until GS wins a championship!!!
Why does anyone think Ellison would be a great owner?
He’s a super douche as a businessman who dumped $1 billion worth of stock just before he announced Oracle’s results were in the dumper, resulting in an insider trading case against him. He has a monumental ego; the best thing you can say about him is that he’s not afraid to spend money.
Granted, we have an absolutely dreadful owner at the moment, but that doesn’t mean Ellison would be any better.
@worldblee on Twitter.
He's not Cohan
At least 25 current owners are better than Cohan. That makes the odds pretty good that any new owner will also be better.
BTW, all of these Ultra-rich businessmen got that way by screwing other people.
Quit making the theiving Wall Street Fat-Cat Bankers even richer.
moveyourmoney.info
by cybermaldonado on Jan 27, 2010 5:40 PM PST up reply actions
I don't think
it can get any worse than Chris Cohan. So it doesn’t really matter at this point.
Al Davis > Cohan
That being said Ellison >>>>>>>>>> Cohan and Davis
Rookie: "Why did you bench me?"
Nellie: "You're a rookie"
Thank you...
I’ve been trying to make the same case. Selling the team just for the sake of selling the team doesn’t always mean it’s a good thing. Im all for getting rid of Cohan but at what expense?
aka GOLDENBOYWARRIOR
by gogomaplata on Jan 27, 2010 6:06 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
The chance of getting a better owner is something you must always take
Especially when the owner is Cohan
Rookie: "Why did you bench me?"
Nellie: "You're a rookie"
I have no reason to assume that Ellison would be worse.
Sure, he’s pretty sleazy, but so is Cohan. If Cohan had the same opportunities as Ellison, I’m sure he would have made the same choices that Ellison did.
by Reverend_Randy on Jan 27, 2010 7:00 PM PST up reply actions
ya he’s ruthless. He is a shrewed business man who gets what he wants at all costs. If your feelings get hurt then get out of the way. I want an owner that can afford to go over the cap and make us a winner. Larry is the an to lead us to the promised land. He gives us instant cred and players will want to come here! Get er done!
by Eschew Obfuscation on Jan 27, 2010 6:36 PM PST reply actions
WOW!
That’s a one sided vote! I hate this freaking ownership, a monkey could do a better job.
"We can't stop here... This is bat country."
YOU'RE ALL MISSING THE POINT
While everyone is talking about what the name would be or if it’s cool they move to SF, i think the real story here is Ellison JUST ASKED THE WARRIORS FANS TO HELP HIM OUT.
Big business deals like this aren’t outed the way he just did – normally. We all know Cohan is a D-Bag and has run the W’s horribly. Not a big leap to assume that his negotiations with Ellison aren’t similarly being handled poorly by him and Rowell.
I think Ellison outed it in the way to recruit the fans to help. The ONLY thing keeping Cohan from selling is the W’s are one of the few franchises that have been making money the last few years (and probably still).
Ellison needs Cohan to put extra leverage on Cohan to put him over the top and want to sell – — and the only way to do that is for the W’s to start LOSING money.
We fans are so vested in this team and want to see them succeed that we still support them. We want to cheer Curry, Monta, Buike, Rony, etc… and that keeps Cohan in the black ink, and is therefore part of his solution, not part of his problem.
SO…let’s say the W’s fans did a protest. Pick a game in the next two weeks so there’s time to organize – And every fan that has a ticket already purchased does NOT go to the game. No concessions, no merchandise sales. But, instead of just not showing up. Go to the arena (don’t park in the lot, park outside) with picket signs that both support the players and demand ownership sell.
Keep the protest going until he sells the team. Your money for the tix will obviously be wasted, but it’s the only leverage that will work against Cohan.
Obviously, this is just opinion, conjecture, fantasy, but if Ellison IS indeed trying to persuade Cohan to sell - this, I’m sure is a sight he would not mind seeing.
Boycott Cohan, Support the Team!
Imagine a world...
Where Cohan trades Ellis for expiring contracts to facilitate the sale (Ray Allen?)
Where we become the next year’s Nets
Where we become the Oakland Oracles
Where we take who knows how long to become a good team
Where we become an expansion type team, a la Oklahoma
Would it be worth it?
I say yes.
Why dont
Steve Jobs buy our team and he will innovate our team. An he will call it i-Dubs
Win Or Lose Warriors For Life.........
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