While we’re out waiting on new music from Justin Timberlake, it’s been reported that he may be adding ‘Owner of the Memphis Grizzlies’ to his resume.
According to ESPN
Robert Pera, prospective new owner of the Memphis Grizzlies, has recruited a famous Memphian to be part of his ownership group: Justin Timberlake.
Sources with knowledge of the arrangement said Thursday that Timberlake, one of the NBA’s most prominent celebrity fans and a Memphis native, has committed to joining Pera’s team of minority partners as the sale of the franchise from Michael Heisley to the 34-year-old technology magnate nears completion.
Sources told ESPN.com that Timberlake and Pera have quickly struck up a friendship, with one source adding that the singer/actor is making “a meaningful investment into the team” and “plans to be active” with the Grizzlies. The league office, sources said, has been made aware of Timberlake’s proposed involvement and is already well acquainted with him after inviting the self-proclaimed basketball junkie to participate in various celebrity games at All-Star Weekend.
It emerged last month that Pera, who splits his time between Northern California and Taiwan, already has agreed to terms with five other local partners to purchase up to one-third of the franchise. The Memphis Commercial Appeal reported that the arrangement — which includes AutoZone founder J.R. “Pitt” Hyde among the investors — would “practically guarantee” the team’s future in Memphis for at least 15 more years.
If the Grizzlies’ sale goes ahead as expected, Timberlake would join Jay-Z (Brooklyn Nets) and Will Smith (Philadelphia 76ers) as prominent NBA minority owners from the world of Hollywood.
