Michael Rubin selling his stake in the 76ers in order to focus on his other company (Fanatics) and the gambling aspect of that company (conflict of interest).
Sounds like he can now make Harden a little richer, legally, off the books
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/34129677/fanatics-ceo-michael-rubin-selling-stake-company-owns-philadelphia-sixers-new-jersey-devilsQuote
Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin, a prominent minority owner of the Philadelphia 76ers, is selling his stake in the Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment company that owns the Sixers and New Jersey Devils, team officials told ESPN on Wednesday.
Rubin, who sources say holds a 10% equity stake in HBSE, is divesting his 11-year stake in the NBA and NHL franchises because of looming conflicts in the expansion of his Fanatics business into sports betting and individual player partnerships.
Fanatics is a $20 billion-plus company that sells licensed professional and college merchandise online. The expansion into sports betting and negotiating individual partnership deals with pro athletes creates numerous conflicts with collective bargaining rules.
Prior to the Sixers-Brooklyn Nets trade in February, Rubin drew the scrutiny of NBA rivals because of his close relationship with guard James Harden. Rubin can now enter outside financial partnerships with players that were disallowed as a part-owner of the teams, an avenue that could prove beneficial to the Sixers as they work to re-sign Harden.
"Given Michael's tremendous success growing Fanatics into a global platform across every major sport, his decision doesn't come as a surprise," HBSE founder and managing general partner Josh Harris said in a statement. "I am so grateful for his years of partnership. His fierce passion, entrepreneurial mindset and steadfast commitment to doing the right thing have left an indelible mark on the Sixers organization.
"Michael will always be a member of our HBSE and Sixers family, continue to be a presence courtside and a key partner in our collective commitment to be a force for good in Philadelphia."
Said HBSE co-founder and co-managing partner David Blitzer: "Michael is a visionary and innovator who has played an integral role in helping us grow and position HBSE for future success. He has been an incredible friend and business partner over the last 11 years and his instincts, work ethic, passion, and ability to bring people together have helped establish him as one of the industry's most influential and successful leaders.
"Michael has used those same attributes to help us evolve and grow, all while becoming a driver of positive, inspiring change in our communities. As he prepares for this new chapter in his career, I'm excited to watch Michael further revolutionize the Fanatics business, unlocking its full potential by connecting sports fans from around the world through a multitude of new platforms and verticals."
Rubin the goat always partying with Robert Craft, Meek Mill, and other celebrities and athletes.
This post was edited by Sixers on Jun 22 2022 08:17am