Former New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez and actress Jennifer Lopez have made a $1.7 billion (Dh6.2bn) bid to buy Major League Baseball (MLB) side New York Mets, according to the New York Post.
The Rodriguez-Lopez stable of investors – including Florida Panthers owner Vinny Viola – made a bid that was comparable to one made by Josh Harris and David Blitzer, owners of the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils. Viola reportedly contributed $200 million to the Rodriguez-Lopez led group.
Billionaire Steve Cohen also reportedly submitted another bid after walking away from his $2.6 billion bid earlier this year. The Post reported Cohen would have to outbid his nearest competitor by more than $250 million over his tactics in February. Further, Cohen could face a challenge to get approved by three-quarters of baseball owners, according to the report.
Rodriguez was a three-time MVP and 14-time All-Star in a 22-year MLB career that included stints with the Seattle Mariners (1994-2000), Texas Rangers (2001-03) and New York Yankees (2004-13). His career accomplishments were tarnished by his admitted use of performance-enhancing drugs.
Lopez has enjoyed success as both a movie star and a singer. Fox Business reported in February that her net worth is between $225 million and $400 million, with Rodriguez's net worth estimated at $300 million to $350 million.
The Wilpon family, owners of the Mets, will now review the bids and decide how many suitors to invite to a second round.
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A-Rod and other stars with their private jets
