Prokhorov Confirms Interest; Wants Control of Nets

Nets Daily reports:

Mikhail Prokhorov confirms he is in serious negotiations with the Nets to finance Barclays Center and gain control of the team. In return for financing the arena, Prokhorov wants control for “a symbolic price”–probably $1. The Russian billionaire also wants to be able to use the Nets to train Russia’s basketball players and place “Russia’s leading coaches and managers in the NBA.” He added he expects negotiations to “move forward.” Meanwhile scrutiny of the deal continues.

This is great news for Nets fans. The tax-free bonds being used to help fund the new arena expire at year’s end, so the Nets need to break ground soon. A move to Brooklyn should make the team financially viable, and couldn’t hurt their sales pitch for Lebron James when he hits free agency this summer. And finally, adding a crazy Russian sports owner is always a good decision. Mark Cuban might have some competition for owner who most infuriates David Stern.