Browns Owner Jimmy Haslam in Serious Talks to Become Co-Owner of Bucks

Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry is looking to sell his stake in the team and it appears he may have a buyer.

Per Eric Nehm, Shams Charania and Sam Amick of The Athletic, Jimmy Haslam, the majority of the owner of the NFL’s Cleveland Browns, is in serious talks to buy Lasry’s share of the Bucks. Haslam woukld then share ownership of the NBA franchise with current co-owner Wes Edens.

Haslam would continue to be majority owner of the Browns even with partial ownership of the Bucks, sources told Hoops Wire.

Edens and Lasry bought the Bucks from previous owner Herb Kohl in 2014, reportedly for $550 million. Haslam’s interest in the Bucks came just recently, but intensified after American businessman Mat Ishbia bought controlling interest of the Suns, Charania reported. Ishbia had been viewed as a potential Bucks co-owner first.

“Sources who were granted anonymity so that they could speak freely tell The Athletic this process with Haslam began after Lasry considered selling his stake in the Bucks to American businessman Mat Ishbia before Ishbia bought controlling interest of the Phoenix Suns,” the report read. “Haslam entered the conversation after Ishbia moved on to the Suns and joined Edens courtside for the Bucks’ 123-114 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Dec. 30, 2022.”

Haslam has been involved in NFL ownership since 2008, first as a minority owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers. He bought controlling interest in the Browns in 2012. He has since also become majority owner of the Columbus Crew of the MLS.

American businessman/Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam and Haslam Sports Group are in serious talks to buy Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry's stake in the Bucks, sources tell me, @sam_amick and @eric_nehm.

Story at @TheAthletic: https://t.co/SoHa0IPIBE

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 10, 2023