Late last year, Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson, announced his decision to sell the team following a Sports Illustrated report which outlined some of Richardson's alleged sexual and racial misconduct toward former employees. Shortly after Richardson's announcement to sell the team, Diddy expressed his desire to buy the team which then prompted Golden State Warriors All-Star Stephen Curry to say he wanted in as well.
According to ESPN, Diddy and Curry weren't bluffing and the two are now "among a strong, diverse group that e-commerce billionaire Michael Rubin is putting together as potential minority owners in his effort to purchase the Carolina Panthers." If Rubin's name sounds familiar it's because he is the owner of the sports apparel retailer Fanatics, co-owner of the 76ers, and he has lobbied to get Meek Mill released from prison.
Curry, who grew up in Charlotte, told reporters last year that he'd be "willing to do what it takes" to become part owner his hometown team.
"Obviously I have a day job, but I've got people that are plugged in and are trying to see how to make that happen," Curry said. "Nothing really to say about it besides that I'm very interested and very willing to do what it takes to make that happen.''
Sports Illustrated reports that Forbes pegs the Panthers' worth at $2.3 billion, but insiders have told ESPN the team could go for less if there aren't enough bidders to drive up the price.
According to ESPN, official bids are expected to begin coming in over the next couple of weeks. The eventual buyer will have to get approval by three-quarters of the league's 32 owners.
