Real Mallorca have new owners after former NBA star Steve Nash and Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver bought a controlling share of the club.
The team announced yesterday that Sarver’s company, which is also partly owned by Nash and Suns Vice Chairman Andy Kohlberg, bought shares worth more than 20 million Euros. The deal is under the name Liga ACQ Legacy Partners.
Rejected multiple times before they get the nod
In early 2015, Sarver, Nash and Kohlberg were interested in buying fallen Scottish giants Rangers. However, that move was turned down by local club officials.
After that bid was turned down, Sarver and Co. turned to Spain to make their move in August. The trio was interested in buying a majority share of Levante, but the bid was rejected by shareholders and voting parties.
Sarver, Nash, and Kohlberg were willing to spend at least £30 million on the Valencia based outfit, which would have given them 72 percent of the club. The 30 million they were willing to spend on Levante was 10-12 million more than what they were willing to spend on Rangers. They even tried to buy Getafe, which was also turned down.
Nash’s footprint in football
Canadian point guard Nash is a massive football fan and supports Tottenham Hotspur.
Even before the Vancouver Whitecaps were officially recognised as an MLS team, Nash was there every step of the way until their debut and is now a minority owner of the club. He will have an important day-to-day role with the Mallorca.
The plan for Mallorca
Sarver has proposed a major overhaul at Mallorca and hopes to get the club back in top-flight football in three years. Chairman Utz Claassen will remain on board until the end of the season.
Maheta Molango, an ex-Brighton & Hove Albion player, is involved with the owners as well. Molango is a football law expert. Steve McManaman, who is based locally, could also join the ownership group formally.
Mallorca are currently tied for 18th in the Liga Adelante, Spain’s second division.