In recent months, Kelly Loeffler’s ownership of the Atlanta Dream has proven to be extremely controversial. A further Republican senator from Georgia, Loefflerb publicly opposed the Black Lives Matter movement and called for the depoliticization of sports. The WNBA being arguably the most socially active sports league has fought vehemently against Loeffler on both fronts, even going to the extent of campaigning for he opponent on the Georgia senate race, Reverend Raphael Warnock.
The league fought hard to get her to sell her team, but she refused to do so in the past. Now that she has lost her senate seat to Warnock, it appears that she has reconsidered.
“As it relates to the Atlanta Dream, we understand a sale of the franchise is close to being finalized. Once the sale negotiation is concluded, additional information will be provided,” read the statement.
Megastar LeBron James had previously expressed interest in buying the team. The sale price or the new owner has not been reported. Mary Brock, another Georgia businesswoman, currently owns 51 percent of the team to Loeffler’s 49 percent.
“We’re not going to force her to sell her ownership,” said WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “She is not a current governor, she is not involved in the day-to-day, and we are aware there are interested parties who want to purchase the team.” Now, a sale appears to be imminent regardless. After months of campaigning and tireless effort, the Dream and the rest on the WNBA appear to be getting their wish.
