It was reported last month that Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen had sold a considerable amount of stock (an epic buttload, I believe is the technical term) as a precursor to buying the Charlotte New Orleans Hornets and moving them to Seattle. While that story has seemingly stalled, it appears that another billionaire software developer also has visions of purchasing and moving the Hornets, and this time it’s Oracle CEO Larry Ellison. And right about now I feel pretty stupid for playing Number Munchers instead of paying attention in my middle school computer classes.
According to Forbes, Ellison is still motivated to purchase a NBA franchise and move it to San Jose, California, after his quest to purchase the Golden State Warriors failed last summer. Ellison also reportedly tried to buy the Hornets last month, but he was outbid by the NBA, which paid around $300 million for the team. Ellison is now apparently willing to pay $450 million. $150 million more. Must be nice.
Say it ain’t so, San Jose mayor Chuck Reed…
