Hawks Introduce New Ownership; Ressler Defers Arena Questions

New Hawks Owner Tony Ressler met the media this morning at Philips Arena, promising that he and his 15-member ownership group would “invest in the team for the long term.” He said, “We have a strong view of what ownership should be. It should create stability and ample resources.” Ressler said he will be “trying to offer strategic direction when appropriate” in running the franchise. Ressler would not disclose his exact stake, but said it was around 50% of the franchise.

Hawks co-Owner Grant Hill, CEO Steve Koonin and team President & coach Mike Budenholzer appeared with Ressler at the press conference. Ressler deferred any comments on the team’s future at Philips Arena. “This is a booming marketplace, we also know that Steve and Bud will lead the charge on those issues. We don’t have concrete answers.”