Leslie Alexander is looking to leave an even bigger imprint on the Houston professional sports landscape. He already owns the Rockets and reports indicate that he's entered the final stages of purchasing the Dynamo from its three owners -- the Anschutz Entertainment Group (primary owners), Oscar de la Hoya and Mexican billionaire Gabriel Brener each own 25 percent of the team.
I first wondered the likelihood of Alexander making this move if the Rockets were more promising as a competitive franchise, but that would be throwing too much shade on the Dynamo. For right now, the Texans and Dynamo represent Houston in their respective leagues better than the two major sports teams that have been here the longest. And that's the Rockets and the Astros.
Who knows how long it will be before Alexander owns a team worth bragging about if he doesn't jump on this Dynamo opportunity? This is what MLS commissioner Don Garber said he wanted in terms of moving toward local ownership and steering away from groups controlling more than one team. AEG owns 50 percent of the Dynamo, but 100 percent of the L.A. Galaxy and at one point owned six MLS teams.
And here's a guy in Alexander who experienced six championships in seven years as the owner of the Rockets in NBA title years of '94 and '95, and the Comets who won the first four WNBA championships from '97-00.
He wants to buy the whole team, all of the Dynamo. It helps that Alexander would have prime real estate with the brand new BBVA Compass Stadium and relatively new Toyota Center. The Rockets, competitive or not, are going draw decent crowds. But the Dynamo?
That's a rising organization, fourth in attendance in the MLS, which is a number that could climb. There is a future in the Dynamo. It's just history with the Rockets.
As a Rockets fan, it doesn't feel good saying that. But as an overall Houston sports fan, it will be interesting to see how the everything pans out with Alexander and the Dynamo.
Also, don't forget about the Comcast deal for the Rockets, Stros and now potentially the Dynamo. There's a kicker (no pun, really, that'd be wack). I bet Les looked up and thought, "Damn, a network deal with THESE Rockets and Astros? DYNAMO!"
You have to admire the man's hustle.
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