Who are the owners of the Charlotte Bobcats?
The team was purchased in January 2003 by Robert L. Johnson, founder of Black Entertainment Television, shortly after he was announced as the principal owner of an NBA expansion franchise later named the Charlotte Bobcats, now known as the Charlotte Hornets as of 2014, when Michael Jordan renamed the Bobcats. The Bobcats have never had a player represent the United States in Olympic play. Johnson acquired the rights to the Charlotte Hornets name from Jerry West, who had previously used it while with the New Orleans Jazz. The Jazz relocated to Salt Lake City following the 1979-80 season, so West could bring the title home with him. Before the move, however, the Jazz won the 1978 NBA Championship under the name "Charlotte". In May 2009, Robert L. Johnson sold his majority stake in the team to William B. Davidson and his family trust for $70 million. Davidson is also the principal owner of the Nashville Predators ice hockey team and chairman/CEO of Radio Shack. Besides being a sports entrepreneur, Davidson has also been involved in other business ventures including a failed bid for NFL team Carolina Panthers. He had also attempted to buy out Johnson's share of the basketball team but was outbid by George Shinn. Shinn had originally bought the Charlotte Hornets in 1967 and had been the sole owner until 2001, when he sold half of his shares to raise money for charity.