Kroenke Wants The Rams

Missouri billionaire Stan Kroenke has decided to exercise his matching rights clause and will try to purchase the remaining 60-percent share of the St. Louis Rams.

The surprise move was announced Monday by a Kroenke spokesman.
((Here's a copy of the statement...))

Illinois businessman Shahid Khan had reached an agreement-in-principle with owners
Chip Rosenbloom and his sister, Lucia Rodriguez on February 11th.
((Here's Khan's statement...))

But, Kroenke had 60 days to decide whether to keep his 40 percent stake, sell it, or exercise his right to buy the team outright. He did the latter...

Complicating the issue is Kroenke's ownership of the NBA's Denver Nuggets ((and the Pepsi Center)), and the NHL's Colorado Avalanche which run on Kroenke's Altitude Sports Network along with his MLS Colorado Rapids ((who play in a Kroenke-owned stadium)), and the MLL Colorado Mammoth ((who have one of the best sweaters in the business)). He is also close to a 30-percent owner of the Arsenal Football Club.

NFL rules prohibit cross-ownership in dueling markets, and Kroenke will have some decisions to make...

Here's how Fox2 in St. Louis broke the news...
((HT: KTVI-TV/Fox2Now))
 

Like a lot of professional sports franchises these days, there's a loophole in the Rams' lease. It allows them to move after the 2014 season if the Edward Jones Dome is not deemed among the top 25-percent ((or 8th-and-up)) of all NFL stadiums by various measurements... whatever those are...

The dome is becoming one of the league's older venues. The city's convention commission spent $30 million upgrading the facility before last season, installing new scoreboards and video boards and upgrading club seating. Next season they're due for a new grass field that can be stored and used in subsequent seasons, a major upgrade.

But would the Missouri-born Kroenke move the team, say, back to Los Angeles...???
Remains to be seen... but an interesting thought nonetheless...

Rams Sold....to KHAN!!!!

It appears that the sale of the St.Louis Rams will finally be taking place. According to published reports, Urbana, Illinois businessman Shahid Khan has a signed agreement to buy Chip Rosenbloom and Lucia Rodriguez's 60 percent stake in the team.

The story from STLToday.com RIGHT HERE

((Shahid Khan photo and illustration//Courtesy: St. Post-Dispatch))

Khan, who made his fortune as an auto-parts manufacturer, won't have 100% of the team. Billionaire Stan Kroenke still owns the other 40% as of right now. According to the report, Khan has the wherewithal to purchase Kroenke's stake as well, it is just not clear if Kroenke wants to keep it or not. Kroenke is unable to be a majority owner due to the fact that he also owns the NBA's Denver Nuggets along with the NHL's Colorado Avalanche and the NFL does not permit cross-ownership. He does however have the right of first refusal to purchase the other 60% if he can divest in the Denver teams or get the NFL to waive the cross-ownership rules.

Khan, who has deep ties to the Illinois area is said to be a huge Rams fan with no desire to see them play somewhere else. Which may, potentially put a stop to the rumors of the team heading back to there original home in Los Angeles.

Enjoy the only appropriate video clip we could find for this story. Thanks You Tube: