Magic Johnson could be the NBA's next owner — but he has only one team in mind

When Michael Jordan sold the Charlotte Hornets in August, the NBA lost its lone Black team governor. But a new legendary former player has interest in acquiring ownership stake in an NBA team — albeit a minority one — with one specific marquee franchise.

NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson told the Associated Press he would be interested in becoming a minority owner of the New York Knicks.

Johnson said he has already passed on other opportunities to acquire a stake in NBA franchises like the Golden State Warriors, Atlanta Hawks, and Detroit Pistons. But the Knicks, who are just behind the Warriors in terms of NBA valuation, would be difficult for him to pass up.

“I think because of the way fans love basketball you might have to think about that one, because I love coming to New York and going to the Garden and watching the Knicks play,” Johnson said to the The Associated Press. 

Related: Why Magic Johnson Broke Down In Tears During Moving Interview About New NFL Ownership

Johnson has been heavily involved in ownership groups for professional sports teams as he has stake in the MLB's Los Angeles Dodgers, WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks, and MLS's Los Angeles FC.

He was also part of the ownership group led by Josh Harris that purchased the NFL's Washington Commanders in July for $6.05 billion, the largest sports franchise sale in history.

Related: NBA Legend Michael Jordan Is Selling The NBA Team He Owned For 13 Years

Johnson made it clear that he hasn't had any conversations with Knicks owner James Dolan, who has repeatedly said that he does not have any plans to sell the team despite the desire by many Knicks fans for him to do so.

But Dolan said in an interview with the New York Times published on Sept. 20 that he does not particularly enjoy owning sports franchises.

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