Peyton Manning's wife behind minority purchase of Grizzlies

Peyton Manning's wife reportedly behind minority ownership of Memphis Grizzlies

Peyton Manning has agreed to join the Memphis Grizzlies as a part-owner, as reported earlier on Thursday. He joins a growing group of investors for the team that also includes Justin Timberlake and Penny Hardaway, along with prospective owner Robert Pera. However, it appears as though Manning's wife may be the one behind the investment.

The NFL Network's Jeff Darlington reported via Twitter that the Grizzlies ownership was more his wife's project than his own. Manning, a University of Tennessee alum, may be along for the ride. His wife, Ashley, is a Memphis native and reportedly wanted to be a part of the minority owner's group in order to help keep the team in Tennessee.

Peyton Manning has made it clear to some people close to him that minority ownership of NBA Grizzlies is his wife's project -- not his own.

— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) October 4, 2012

New provisions were put in place by Para to help make moving the Grizzlies out of Memphis much more difficult in the future. The franchise knows all about relocation -- it was originally based in Vancouver from 1995 until 2001.

Peyton Manning to buy share of Memphis Grizzlies, according to report

Broncos quarterback and Tennessee alum Peyton Manning has reportedly agreed to become part owner of the Memphis Grizzlies, joining Justin Timberlake and Penny Hardaway in Robert Pera's ownership group