How the Tennessee Vols now have a strong connection to an NBA team

The Tennessee Vols now have a strong connection to an NBA franchise. That's because one of Tennessee's most famous boosters is now an NBA owner. ESPN reported on Monday morning that Jimmy Haslam and his wife Dee have agreed to buy Marc Lasry's share of the Milwaukee Bucks. The sale is expected to be valued […]

Zach Ragan — Tennessee Volunteers News Writer
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The Tennessee Vols now have a strong connection to an NBA franchise.

That's because one of Tennessee's most famous boosters is now an NBA owner.

ESPN reported on Monday morning that Jimmy Haslam and his wife Dee have agreed to buy Marc Lasry's share of the Milwaukee Bucks.

The sale is expected to be valued at $3.5 billion.

Jimmy and Dee Haslam also own the Cleveland Browns of the NFL and the Columbus Crew of the MLS.

From ESPN:

Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry has reached an agreement to sell his portion of the Bucks to Cleveland Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam for a $3.5 billion valuation, sources told ESPN.

The deal, which sources said is still pending league approval, would be the second-highest valuation ever for an NBA team, only being surpassed by the $4 billion purchase of the Phoenix Suns by Mat Ishbia from Robert Sarver that was completed earlier this month. It would also be the third highest for any American professional sports team, also trailing the $4.65 billion the Denver Broncos went for last June.

Dec 17, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns managing and principal partner Jimmy Haslam walks on the sideline before the game between the Cleveland Browns and the Baltimore Ravens at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns managing and principal partner Jimmy Haslam walks on the sideline before the game between the Cleveland Browns and the Baltimore Ravens at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

According to WATE, the Haslam family has donated over $100 million to the University of Tennessee.

Despite those donations, there won't be any crossover between Tennessee and the Bucks when it comes to the Haslams. Just like there hasn't been between Tennessee and the Browns.

Still, it's a unique connection between the program and one of the NBA's most popular teams.

By the way, it has to be a bit awkward for Haslam to have such a prominent presence in Cleveland and now he owns a franchise that's rivals with the Cleveland Cavaliers. That could make for some awkward community events in Cleveland.

Featured image via Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

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