The Bucks are in mourning. Herb Kohl, the former owner of the franchise between 1985 and 2014, died Wednesday at the age of 88.
In a statementAdam Silver, the boss of the league, declared that he “will be greatly missed by the NBA family.” “He did so much for the city of Milwaukee and for the Bucks. We will clearly miss him,” for his part commented Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Also a Democratic senator between 1989 and 2013, this Milwaukee native bought the Wisconsin franchise in 1985 for $18 million. With one goal in mind: to keep her in her hometown.
“The opportunity to buy and keep the team here in Milwaukee is one of the most unique and fortunate experiences I have ever had.”he declared, he who was the only senator who owned a sports franchise.
In 2014, he sold the franchise to Wes Edens and Marc Lasry for $550 million. He will also have invested $100 million for the construction of the Fiserv Forum, which will open in October 2018 and in which the Bucks will win their second title in 2021.
“By purchasing the team, Senator Kohl ensured that the Bucks would remain in Milwaukee and remain an important pillar of the community,” adds Adam Silver. “His extraordinary commitment to the franchise and the city he loved was never in doubt. His vision and unprecedented financial contribution to building a new venue in Milwaukee will be forever remembered. »
