Speculation is that Dolan could sell the Knicks for around $4B, without including Madison Square Gardennbae/getty images
MSG Co. is "strongly denying" the latest report that Knicks Owner James Dolan could sell the team, according to Mark Sanchez of the N.Y. POST. MSG issued a statement that reads, "The story is 100% false. There has been nothing. No discussions. No plans to have discussions -- nothing." The Ringer's Bill Simmons stoked the latest rumors of a sale after saying on a podcast posted yesterday morning that Dolan is "listening to offers to sell the team." The latest report comes after Dolan said in an extensive ESPN.com piece posted in December that he "could not rule out selling the team" (N.Y. POST, 2/19).
INITIAL REPORT: Simmons on the podcast said of Dolan, "He’s courting offers for the Knicks, that’s what I heard at All-Star Weekend from people I trust.” Simmons: “The Knicks are just a pain in the ass, people shit on him for it. He feels like if he could just sell the Knicks for some crazy price, then he can put some of that money back into the music/game experience stuff that he cares about.” Simmons said Dolan is looking to get $5B for the team and added, “Not only is the building not included, but you’re going to have to swallow up a bunch of perks. … You’re basically just getting the team.” Simmons speculated there are a "bunch of super, super rich guys that nobody has ever heard of" that could land the team. Simmons: "I think (Dolan) can get $4 billion just for the team, I really do." ESPN's Ryen Russillo asked, “Is $4 billion still smart for the Knicks without MSG? That’s a lot.” Simmons: “If you’re buying the crown jewel of the league, the biggest team in the No. 1 city and one of the most historic franchises we have, even if they haven’t really won that much and you have the money anyway, what do you care if it’s $3.3 billion or $4 billion?” (“The Bill Simmons Podcast,” THERINGER.com, 2/18).
