According to TMZ, Ice Cube and LL Cool J are joining forces in order to make a bid at 22 regional sports television stations. The two are making a play on a number of stations that Disney acquired as part of their deal with 21st Century Fox. Disney is already the majority owner of ESPN and having control over the other stations would have essentially monopolized the sports television landscape.
As a result, the YES Network in NYC, as well as stations like Fox Sports San Diego to Fox Sports Arizona, Fox Sports Detroit, Fox Sports Southwest, are all part of a package that investments groups will bid on. The reported worth of the deal ranges somewhere between $15 billion and $25 billion.
Cube and LL are teaming up with billionaire Carolyn Rafaelian, founder of Alex and Ani Jewelry. They are also recruiting other high-profile sports and entertainment figures to join their investment team.
The initial bids for the 22 stations begin on November 8.
Source: tmz.com
