Bon Jovi Seeks Part-Ownership of Buffalo Bills’
Jon Bon Jovi is part of a group that wants to take ownership of the Buffalo Bills following the death of Ralph Wilson.
The Toronto Sun reports that the Sayreville rocker is part of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, owners of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Raptors. “Jon remains passionate in his pursuit of an NFL franchise,” publicist Ken Sunshine told the newspaper.
Jon, a former owner of the Arena Football League's Philadelphia Soul has had interest in owning an NFL franchise but not the deep financial pockets required. Bleacher Report columnist Dan Pompeii writes that Jon would serve as the "face" of the group which has the inside track at taking ownership because they can build the team a new stadium.
However, Pompeii says there is concern the group might move the team to Tornoto, located 100 miles away where the Bills have played some games in recent years. The group could also move the team to Los Angeles according to Pompeii. Boston Bruins owner Jeremy Jacobs is also a contender to buy the team and would keep it in his hometown of Buffalo.
Several officials told The Associated Press that a newly formed Bills stadium task force of public and private leaders seeking to bolster the team's long-term viability is considering sites that would put it closer to the team's burgeoning Ontario fan base.
"We're looking at Niagara County," Lt. Gov. Robert Duffy told the AP this week. "We're open to looking at a number of venues."
Niagara Falls Mayor Paul Dyster confirmed Niagara County was discussed as an option during the inaugural meeting last week of the newly formed New Stadium Working Group committee.
Mary Wilson is taking over as the Buffalo Bills' controlling owner after the death on March 25 of her husband, Ralph Wilson. He founded the Bills when the American Football League began play in 1960 and was a major factor in the merger of the AFL and NFL that was completed in 1970.
MORE COVERAGE:
- Bon Jovi remains ‘passionate’ about becoming NFL owner, and source says he remains part of Toronto group expected to bid for Buffalo Bills / Toronto Sun
- Report: Bon Jovi part of Toronto group trying to buy Buffalo Bills / CBSSports.com
- Bon Jovi involved with Toronto group that hopes to buy the Bills / NBC Sports
- Drafting a Quarterback This Year Is 'A Crapshoot' / Bleacher Report
The Associated Press contributed to this report