The regional sports networks that the US Justice Department has ordered the Walt Disney Company to sell after its purchase of the entertainment assets of 21st Century Fox have no shortage of suitors. As we have previously reported, the bidders are made up of traditional media companies, technology giants, private equity firms, and most recently groups led by celebrities.
Today there is news that a private equity firm is hoping to get a celebrity on board with its bid. Apollo Global is reportedly courting LeBron James and his media company, Uninterrupted, as a potential partner in its bid. James himself not only lends star power to the bid, but Uninterrupted could add hours of content for the 22 networks when they are not airing live sports.
Meg James of the Los Angeles Times reported today that suitors made their initial pitches this week. Allen & Company and JP Morgan Chase and Company are reviewing the bids. James also has confirmed the long-circulating rumor that Disney will consider bids for individual networks or smaller segments of the 22-network package.
