Randy Lerner is close to selling the Cleveland Browns
I love my American football, and on Twitter follow a few accounts related to the subject. One story just popped up that could have huge repercussions for us Villa fans, is that Lerner is close to selling the Cleveland Browns, or at least past of it. Here is a statement from Randy Lerner on the subject:
“In connection with current rumors and press inquiries, I can report that I’ve been approached by Mr. Jimmy Haslam, who is interested in making an investment in the Cleveland Browns. We are currently in negotiations and both sides have agreed to keep that dialogue and its details private. Given that any transaction would require League approval, care has been taken so that this process will not be disruptive to the organization, in particular the football team, as it prepares for the upcoming season. We will share further details or make an announcement if it becomes necessary.”
I’ve also read the following from another piece on the subject:
‘The franchise has been owned by Randy Lerner since the passing of his father, Al. But the younger Lerner never has seemed to embrace the role. Thus, it won’t be a surprise if the team is sold, at some point.’
Many people have wanted Lerner to embrace Villa more fully at times, and with this news we might see more of Lerner in the Midlands, and potentially more money invested. Early days, and I will update when I hear more but this could be a big deal for our club.
Update: Have just read the following quote from a story reporting the news:
“The folks at ESPN 850, who got the ball rolling an hour ago on this story, are treating it as a given that Haslam will be buying the team from Lerner.”
What does all this mean for the Villa? It be interesting to find out. If he does sell all of his share in the Browns, it could be quite the windfall for Mr Lerner. The NFL is a massive business, and even giving the Browns poor performances in recent years, he could still make a lot of money from this. It be great if he committed to us and we saw more of him. He’s been by and large a great owner (with a few notable exceptions!), and with the good times feeling like they’re returning, this could be another very positive step for us.
Have just read a Forbes report from September of last year valuing the Browns at $977 million. Not too shabby!
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More money invested ??? have you heard of the UEFA FFP rules that have come in ??? ….. we have to live within our means of income from now on, breaking even over the past one and next two seasons, just like every other club. Even Man City have to sell to buy now, you can’t just pump money into a football club anymore if you want to play in Europe.
Sure there are many ways to get around that. Haven’t PSG and Chelsea spent near enough £100 million each this summer? Not an expert on the subject, because it seems such a grey area.
The way I see it, if Lerner commits to the Villa, that can only be good news.
PSG and Chelsea earn far far more revenue than we do, hence the bigger spend. PSG in particular have just been taken over so get 18 months grace for initial investment.
Lerner won’t sell th Browns, his mother and siblings are involved heavily too.
On our side of things we will be fine now Lambert has brought stability and a decent philosophy to the club from the academy upwards.
Ah okay. As mentioned haven’t got much of an idea on the subject! All the talk is suggesting he is, so we’ll have to see.
Yep things are already looking much better when looking just a couple of months back.
Do the new rules include money for off-the-pitch expenses such as scouting?
Doesn’t the FFP rules only to clubs in European Competions? Since we are not in one why should we worry.
The FFP will be in full effect in 2015. So maybe he can splurge until then. I truly hope that Lerner sees this as an opportunity to invest more time and energy into Aston Villa organization.