African-American NBA Owners

From Hoopedia

Robert L. Johnson made history as the first African-American to become the majority owner of a professional sports organization when the NBA Board of Governors granted him the expansion Charlotte Bobcats franchise on Jan. 10, 2003. The Bobcats ownership group also includes NBA icon Michael Jordan, former NBA player M.L. Carr and entertainer Nelly.

Entertainer Usher is part-owner of the Cavaliers.

Information Technology leader John W. Thompson is one of the Warriors owners.

Another NBA icon, Magic Johnson, has been a part-owner of the Lakers since December 1997.

The Grizzlies owners include former NBA player Elliott Perry and entertainment entrepreneur Fred Jones.

Hip Hop super-star Jay-Z is one of the Nets owners.

Sheila Johnson is the first African-American woman to be an owner/partner in three professional sports franchises. With her partnership in Lincoln Holdings LLC, Johnson will be a part owner in the Mystics, Wizards and the NHL’s Washington Capitals.

Past African-American part-owners include Herman J. Russell (Atlanta), Charles Ewing (Memphis), Peter Bynoe and Bertram Lee (Denver), and Isiah Thomas (Toronto).