Warriors Put Up For Sale Sign

The Golden State Warriors are for sale.

And the team already has a potential buyer. 

Oracle CEO Larry Ellison has been saying for months he wants to add the team to the list of things he owns.
     
The Warriors  hired Galatioto Sports Partners to handle selling the franchise and serve as their exclusive financial adviser throughout the process. 

The team's announcement said "despite their poor  record they are "a premier NBA franchise" and have the fifth-largest market  in the NBA."

The Warriors have been owned by Christopher Cohan since 1995. The  team has made the playoffs only once under his ownership.

Up until now, current owner Chris Cohan has been silent on the possible sale of the team. Apparently, he's heard a bid number that caused him to at least be open to the idea.

Ellison, who is not used to being denied, told financial analysts in late January he was trying to buy the team.

"Unfortunately you can't have a hostile takeover of a basketball team," he said.

The Warriors said they wouldn't comment further until an agreement or transaction with a buyer is reached.

GSP was established in early 2005 by Salvator Galatioto, former  managing director and head of the sports advisory group for Lehman Brothers.    

The firm's vice chairman is Russ Granik, who was previously the  NBA's deputy commissioner and chief operating officer.    

Galatioto declined to comment on the sale process today except to  confirm that his firm is participating.

GSP was involved in the recent sale of the Charlotte Bobcats to  former basketball superstar Michael Jordan.
 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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