November 07, 2007

I thought about it, but I bought AFC Wimbledon instead. Does anyone know of other publicly traded pro sports teams? If I buy a few more I'll be Mark Cuban's mini-me.

posted by rcade at 05:47 AM on November 08, 2007

Thanks to your reminder I've just gone and paid my cash. I has meant to a lot earlier but when I tried they were having issues with non-UKers signing up. Yes yes, they did get that sorted ages ago but me and procrastination are like best friends

posted by Fence at 08:27 AM on November 08, 2007

Does anyone know of other publicly traded pro sports teams? I can't vouch for the accuracy of this list, but here's one listing.

posted by holden at 09:49 AM on November 08, 2007

I got in asap and it's pretty exciting that we've agreed in principle to buy a club and are just waiting for the announcement. Best $70.00 I've ever spent and nothing's happened. Fence, we'll be holding an owners only meeting down the pub shortly.

posted by Texan_lost_in_NY at 10:15 AM on November 08, 2007

Does anyone know of other publicly traded pro sports teams? When the New England Patriots were first started in 1960, a number of shares of stock were sold. The stock was quoted on one exchange or another for quite some time. I believe it was non-voting stock, and was all bought back or otherwise disposed of within a few years. The Boston Celtics, some years ago, I can't remember exactly when, also sold some non-voting stock. It had more of a souvenir value than any actual hope of gain, but it sold out quickly. Neither case was really one of public ownership, but was a way of raising money.

posted by Howard_T at 10:44 AM on November 08, 2007

I thought Man U, Spurs, Arsenal and Leeds (RIP) were publicly traded. Some of them might have gone private after a poor experience with the stock market and with the emergence of new billionaire owners. But that's just a guess based on poor recollection. So do with it what you will.

posted by worldcup2002 at 04:58 PM on November 08, 2007

If, however, rcade is referring to teams that are fan-owned, they might want to take a gander at MK Dons or FC United (whatever that disgruntled fan-based spinoff of Man U is called) or Barcelona. Again, I might be wrong, but it's a lot easier than looking it up on Wikipedia.

posted by worldcup2002 at 05:00 PM on November 08, 2007

whatever that disgruntled fan-based spinoff of Man U is called FC United of Manchester. I think we had a story on them a while back. Founded for different reasons than rcade's AFC Wimbledon, however both sets of fans now feel more gruntled about supporting a genuine local team. I thought Barca were privately owned, but like other Spanish teams, the 'socios' are semi-official community organisations for fans, arranging season tickets, trips etc but not involved in actually running the club.

posted by owlhouse at 05:23 PM on November 08, 2007

Manchester United were publically traded, but when Glazer took over he delisted them and transferred the debt accrued buying the Devils to back to the club.

posted by Mr Bismarck at 06:36 PM on November 08, 2007

I thought the officers of the Spanish clubs were elected by the members/socios.

posted by billsaysthis at 01:23 AM on November 11, 2007

I think you're right, Bill. I'd forgotten about the elections.

posted by owlhouse at 04:17 PM on November 11, 2007

Recent BBC article on this. My original SpoFi post on it.

posted by scully at 08:14 AM on November 13, 2007

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