Saudi Prince Purchases Madison Wolves (2040.3)
Posted: Mon Sep 16, 2019 10:23 pm
In another somewhat strange turn of events related to GM Will Gibson’s time in the UMEBA, Saudi prince Ahmed bin Mohammad has purchased the team from previous owner Mick Shrimpton, Jr. for $2.2 billion. Bin Mohammad is a former racecar driver and has served as the Saudi Minister of Sports since 2032. Gibson reportedly met bin Mohammad while he was detained in an Emiratii prison on his way to Mumbai at the start of last season. Bin Mohammad had been on a visit to Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi when he was detained for disorderly conduct after constantly telling park staff members that he could buy the park if he wanted to and throwing money off of roller coasters. Gibson claims that he talked at length with bin Mohammad about the game of baseball, and the prince expressed interest in someday purchasing a team. After being named the new GM in Madison, Gibson called up bin Mohammad to ask if he would be interested in the Wolves. The answer was yes, and Shrimpton was soon blown away by an offer that he simply could not refuse.
Shrimpton was quoted as saying, “This team only brings in about $115 million a year. There was no way I could pass up an offer for $2.2 billion. This deal was completely unexpected. I hate to end the Shrimpton legacy here in Madison after a disappointing season, but it’s clear that the organization wants and needs to go in a different direction.”
The offer truly was unexpected, and the money amount doesn’t exactly go with what is expected for a BBA team. However, bin Mohammad has been quoted on multiple occasions saying, “Money means nothing to me!” With that being said, it can be expected that the new ownership will be very charitable in its running of the team. It is also being rumored that the Saudis are hoping to relocate the team, a vision that Gibson is known of being fond of. While relocation will likely be years away, both sides seem to want to move somewhere warmer, eyeing locations in Georgia and Texas.
Shrimpton was quoted as saying, “This team only brings in about $115 million a year. There was no way I could pass up an offer for $2.2 billion. This deal was completely unexpected. I hate to end the Shrimpton legacy here in Madison after a disappointing season, but it’s clear that the organization wants and needs to go in a different direction.”
The offer truly was unexpected, and the money amount doesn’t exactly go with what is expected for a BBA team. However, bin Mohammad has been quoted on multiple occasions saying, “Money means nothing to me!” With that being said, it can be expected that the new ownership will be very charitable in its running of the team. It is also being rumored that the Saudis are hoping to relocate the team, a vision that Gibson is known of being fond of. While relocation will likely be years away, both sides seem to want to move somewhere warmer, eyeing locations in Georgia and Texas.
