Michael Heisley Sr., Memphis Grizzlies Owner, Added to Bidder List

The billionaire owner of the NBA Memphis Grizzlies, Michael Heisley, has been revealed as one of eleven bidders who have made it to the next round of the auction process for the sale of the Dodgers. Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times confirmed Heisley as a bidder Wednesday evening.

Heisley is 75-years old, making him 44 years senior to Jared Kushner, another bidder who’s name has just recently emerged publically. Heisley purchased the Vancouver Grizzlies in 2000, and one year later relocated the team to Memphis even though he had promised to keep the franchise in Vancouver. Like a few of the other prospective buyers, Heisley has sought stakes in other professional sports teams including the Chicago Cubs and the Minnesota Vikings.

The Memphis Grizzlies have had some success with Heisley as owner, and finally won a playoff series last season but lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals. He’s mentioned the possibility of selling the Grizzlies, but hasn’t found a serious buyer.

Heisley was a computer salesman born in Washington D.C., and now resides in Chicago and Florida. Heisley Sr. graduated from Georgetown University. He founded Heico Company, a Chicago holding company that buys underperforming or bankrupt companies and turns them around. The company has interests in 40 manufacturing companies including steel, construction, and aviation equipment. Heisley’s estimated net worth is $1.6 billion.

In an amusing yet sort of annoying side note in this soap operatic auction, Josh Macciello has been called out to the fact he never made it to the second round of bidding like he insinuated he had. His cryptic tweets and media blitz was essentially just for attention. Chad Moriyama sums it up well, and it unfortunately shows how Macciello was dishonest to Dodger fans about his true involvement in the auction.

Here is a rundown of the current bidder list. Bidders may join forces, and new bidders may emerge.

1. Magic Johnson/Stan Kasten (could be joined by Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong)

2. Joe Torre/Rick Caruso

3. Stan Kroenke

4. Jared Kushner

5. Michael Heisley Sr.

6. Steven Cohen/Arn Tellum

7. Roy Disney Family/Stanley Gold

8. Peter O’Malley/E-Land

9. Leo Hindery/Tom Barrack

10. Alan Casden

11. Tony Ressler (Minority owner of the Brewers)