Ice Cube and LL Cool J Team Up to Buy Sports TV Station
Ice Cube and LL Cool J have been in the game long enough to know a smart opportunity when they see one.
According to a report TMZ posted last night (Nov. 6), the hip-hop veterans are teaming up in hopes to get involved in the sports media world. Apparently, the two are partnering with a group of investors looking to place a bid on 22 regional sports channels, of which the YES Network is included.
Disney is being forced to sell off the channels by the Justice Department, meaning that the deal is anticipated to go down promptly. Officials previously determined that because Disney is already a majority owner of ESPN, controlling 22 other sports stations would give them too much control and power in the sports TV landscape.
As reported, the channels in the package include Fox Sports San Diego, Fox Sports Arizona, Fox Sports Detroit and Fox Sports Southwest, to name of a few. Additionally, the aforementioned YES Network, which broadcasts Yankees games, is reportedly thought to be worth between $5 and $6 billion alone. The deal for the 22 stations is expected to be anywhere from $15 to $25 billion.
Per TMZ, LL Cool J and Ice Cube are teaming up to partner with billionaire Alex and Ani jewelry founder Carolyn Rafaelian, among other influential heavyweights. The initial bids for the sports TV deal are due this Thursday (Nov. 8).
In related news, Ice Cube recently announced that his Everythangs Corrupt album will arrive on Dec. 7. Meanwhile, his possible future business partner has been nominated for the 2019 class of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for the fourth time. Looks like when it comes to both music and business, both Cube and LL are looking to level up, once again.
XXL has reached out to Ice Cube's team for comment on this report.
See Photos of Rappers’ Fashion Choices in 1997