• Loading stock data...
Sunday, July 6, 2025

Magic Johnson Open To Knicks Minority Ownership Stake

  • Basketball Hall of Famer only interested in specific NBA franchise
  • Comments closely follow Dolan’s stated dislike of owning teams
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Basketball Hall of Famer Magic Johnson’s expansive sports ownership portfolio already includes stakes in the Washington Commanders, Los Angeles Dodgers, LAFC, Los Angeles Sparks, and esports company aXiomatic. 

Now, he’s looking to return to NBA ownership — with a very specific team.

Thirteen years after shedding his previously held equity stake in the Los Angeles Lakers in pursuit of larger team ownership opportunities, Johnson told the Associated Press that the New York Knicks are the “only team I would probably think about. Other than that, I would probably never think about ever being a part of another franchise.”

Johnson said he received potential ownership opportunities with the Golden State Warriors, Detroit Pistons, and Atlanta Hawks, but turned them all down instead of competing with the Lakers, where Johnson was also head coach in 1994 and president of basketball operations from 2017-19.

But to him, the Knicks offer a different kind of attraction. “That one, you would really have to think about,” he said.

Johnson acknowledged he hasn’t discussed the notion with Knicks owner and MSG executive chairman James Dolan, and the team is not formally for sale. In a recent New York Times profile about Dolan and his other major project, the MSG Sphere in Las Vegas, he said the Knicks are “near and dear to my heart,” but added, “I don’t really like owning teams.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

American Celebs Want to Be Sports Owners. Soccer Is Where They Start

As U.S. team prices climb, investors set their sights abroad.

Baseball’s Celebrity Row: Behind MLB’s First-Pitch Ritual

Often planned, sometimes spontaneous, the ritual throw is baseball’s celebrity row.

3,000 Hot Dogs, $20K in Prizes: Behind the Nathan’s Eating Contest

Nathan’s serves up thousands of hot dogs and $20,000 in prize money.

Geoffrey Esper Can’t Catch a Break at Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

“Hot dogs is not one of my favorite competitions of the year.”

Featured Today

The Battle Over Wimbledon’s Ambitious Expansion Plan

A classic NIMBY standoff on one of the most hallowed grounds in sports.
Seattle Rough & Tumble
June 28, 2025

Women’s Sports Bars Are on the Rise. Survival Isn’t Guaranteed

Some women’s sports bars are cashing in. Others are clawing for funding.
June 27, 2025

Shitposters Have Taken the Reins of Pro Sports’ Official Voices

Meet the social media pros turning sports teams into internet trolls.
Jun 17, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers center Sam Reinhart (13) hoists the Stanley Cup after winning game six of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers at Amerant Bank Arena
June 26, 2025

Stanley Cup’s International Summer Tour: Rules, Repairs, and Raucousness

No pro trophy tour compares to the NHL’s three-month global victory lap.

Liverpool to Pay Diogo Jota’s $20M Contract to His Widow

Jota had two years remaining on his contract.
Myles Turner
July 1, 2025

Pacers Sour on Paying Luxury Tax and Let Myles Turner Walk

The team had seemed willing to cross the threshold for their center.
July 2, 2025

Rogers Takes Control of Canada’s Top Teams in MLSE Buyout

The Canadian media giant now has an arguably unrivaled sports portfolio.
Sponsored

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
Manchester City
July 1, 2025

Manchester City Pockets $50 Million for Early Club World Cup Elimination

Saudi side Al-Hilal will bank at least $35 million in its quarterfinal run.
July 1, 2025

Bucks Shock NBA World By Waiving Lillard’s $113M Deal, Signing Turner

Damian Lillard had two years left on his deal.
Jun 17, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett (9) hoists the Stanley Cup after winning game six of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers at Amerant Bank Arena
July 1, 2025

Panthers Lock Up Stanley Cup–Winning Core With Long-Term Deals

Hours before free agency, Florida cemented terms with their essential players.
June 30, 2025

Nuggets, Rockets Make Aggressive Moves to Challenge Thunder

Denver took the Thunder to seven games in the conference semifinals.