NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP, abc24.com) - A person familiar with the deal says NFL quarterback Peyton Manning and his wife, Ashley, and former NBA player Penny Hardaway have agreed to join the group of minority owners for the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Mannings and Hardaway join a minority group that includes singer and actor Justin Timberlake and a couple Memphis businessmen, the person told The Associated Press Thursday on condition of anonymity because prospective buyer Robert J. Pera's purchase of the Grizzlies is pending approval by the NBA.
The addition of Manning and Hardaway first was reported by The Chris Vernon Show on WMFS-FM on Thursday.
Hardaway later released a statement which read, in part, "This is not just an investment in a sports team, it’s a way for me to give back to the people of Memphis in thanks for their supporting me."
Pera, owner of a California tech company, agreed to buy the Grizzlies from Michael Heisley in June. The NBA is expected to approve the sale this month.
