After 13 years as the primary owner of the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets, basketball legend Michael Jordan has made the decision to sell his majority share in the team. The new ownership group, led by Gabe Plotkin and Rick Schnall, includes two notable North Carolina music superstars who also happen to be passionate basketball enthusiasts: J. Cole and Eric Church. This unexpected collaboration adds an exciting twist to the team’s future.
Aside from his successful rap career, J. Cole, a native of Fayetteville, has long displayed a fervent passion for the game of basketball. As a former redshirt St. John’s point guard, he has even played professional basketball in Rwanda and Canada within the past two years. Recently spotted courtside at the NBA Finals, J. Cole’s love for the sport is well-known, making his involvement in the ownership group a natural extension of his basketball interests.
Eric Church: A Country Rockstar and College Game Enthusiast:
Known as a hardcore fan of the North Carolina Tar Heels, country rockstar Eric Church has strong ties to the college basketball scene. His dedication to the sport was exemplified when he famously canceled a show in 2022 to attend the UNC versus Duke matchup in the Final Four. Church’s passion for basketball, combined with his North Carolina roots, makes him an ideal addition to the ownership group and further strengthens the local connection.
Although Michael Jordan has sold his majority ownership, he will still maintain a minority stake in the Charlotte Hornets. This ensures his continued involvement and influence within the organization. Joining J. Cole, Eric Church, and the leadership of Gabe Plotkin and Rick Schnall, the new ownership group includes individuals such as Amy Levine Dawson, Damian Mills, Chris Shumway, Dan Sundheim, Ian Loring, and Dyal HomeCourt Partners.
The sale of the majority share in the Charlotte Hornets by Michael Jordan to a group led by Gabe Plotkin and Rick Schnall marks an exciting development for the team’s future. The inclusion of North Carolina music superstars J. Cole and Eric Church in the ownership group adds a unique dynamic and showcases their deep love for the game of basketball. With Jordan retaining a minority stake and a diverse group of owners, the Charlotte Hornets are poised to enter a new era of success, driven by the passion and vision of this remarkable team.
English