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September 24, 2009
Should a Russian oligarch be allowed to buy the Nets?
Crain's NY Business
Crain's has a silly poll which drastically oversimplifies the issue. It's not a question of whether or not Mikhail Prokhorov should be allowed to buy the Nets. The larger question is whether the arena at the center of the Atlantic Yards project should be propped up with with more than $700 million in public subsidies, tax breaks and give-aways — regardless of who owns the team that would play there. Throw in the question of the use of eminent domain for the primary benefit of a Russian billionaire, and the question gets even more complicated.
Should the NBA approve Mr. Prokhorov's deal to buy the Nets?
⊗ Da. This will bring new ideas to the NBA, attract more foreign investors to the league, and help ensure the Atlantic Yards project gets built.
⊗ Nyet. Mr. Prokhorov made his billions amid the shady dealings in the early days of post-Communist Russia, and he's most likely more concerned with burnishing his image than helping Brooklyn win the urban redevelopment game.
Click thru to vote. View the results here.
Posted by eric at September 24, 2009 6:36 PM