When Min Congda said that the Clippers were going to build a new arena, Anschutz was stunned for a moment, and then laughed.
"Haha, Smart, you are sitting in my VIP box at Staples Center and telling me that you want to build a new arena and want to compete with me for business, right?"
The expression on Anschutz's face was half-smiling. If the Clippers really built a new arena, it would definitely have a great impact on Staples.
"Besides, do you Clippers have that much money to build a new arena? Even the Lakers don't have the capital."
Min Congda had mentioned the intention of building a new arena to Anschutz before. At that time, Anschutz didn't take it to heart. He thought that the Clippers also wanted to build a new arena. Do you think anyone can build a comprehensive sports stadium?
Unexpectedly, Min Congda would reveal his intentions again so soon, and it was obvious that this guy was not joking. The Clippers were going to buy the Great Western Forum, which must be to pave the way for a new arena.
Seeing that Min Congda was silent, Anschutz asked again: "Does Sterling know about such a big thing? What does he think?"
Sterling, the owner, is dead to the Clippers. For three years, this former control-freak owner has ignored almost everything.
The result of not caring about anything is that his assets have appreciated a lot, which shows that he is right to not care about anything.
Min Congda said: "I am the representative of Sterling's boss. Of course he knows all this. I would like to ask you if you are interested in investing and taking part in the shares of the new arena."
Having said that, Anschutz was a little tempted. As the number one sports tycoon in Los Angeles, he certainly hopes to take part in every good thing.
Anschutz looked at Ballmer beside him. Ballmer was eating egg tarts with his head down. He was very satisfied with the egg tarts here.
"Steve, do you have any ideas? Do you want to join in and have some fun?"
Ballmer finished the egg tart in his hand, wiped his mouth, and said with a smile: "Me? I want to build an arena and just pay for it. Why do I need to take a shareholding?"
A rich boss is a tyrant. If he participates in stocks, what kind of stocks should he participate in? That's what poor people with no money do together.
Ballmer continued: "I am more interested in buying a team, but unfortunately I have never had this opportunity. When I retire, I want to buy a team and be the owner."
Ballmer has mentioned this matter several times, and he mentioned it again this time. It can be seen that he really likes basketball.
Min Congda thought to himself that he cannot let you be the boss. Once you become the boss, it will not be that easy to bankrupt the team.
How could tens of billions of dollars be wasted? It would take a long, long time to burn it.
However, Ballmer immediately changed the topic and said: "But if I cooperate with Smart, I am willing to do so. I am optimistic about him."
Ballmer has always admired Min Congda and wanted to buy a team and let Min Congda be the general manager.
Min Congda thought to himself, I really appreciate your support. If you become my boss, I will never be able to turn around.
Anschutz said: "Tell me about your plan and what are your shortcomings now. Can you win the Great Western Forum?"
Min Congda said: "I have almost reached an agreement with the church people, but... there are some difficulties in funding. The team is short of 5 million US dollars."
When Min Congda said he was short of 5 million, Ballmer said cheerfully: "Five million is no problem. I can pay it to you directly. Just let me know when you want."
Five million US dollars is really a drop in the bucket for Ballmer. Borrowing this amount of money is of course just a matter of words.
"However, I have a condition."
Ballmer said as he ate the last egg tart.
At this time, the honest, peasant-like temperament on his face disappeared instantly.
Instead, there is a sense of cunning.
After all, he is the CEO of Microsoft, a super rich man, how can he be really honest.
When Min Congda heard that there were still conditions, he was very happy. It was great to have conditions.
The more stringent these conditions are, the better. The more stringent these conditions are, the better it will be for Min Congda to complete his mission.
"You tell me, I will agree to whatever conditions I can agree to."
Ballmer said: "I hope the Clippers will use part of their equity as pledge before I can give them the 5 million."
It is normal for large loans to require collateral, but Ballmer wants equity pledges, obviously coveting the ownership of the Clippers.
Of course he hopes to buy the Clippers directly, but NBA teams are not something you can buy if you have money.
Since you can't buy it for the time being, it's better to be a small shareholder first, get into this circle, and wait for the opportunity.
Obtaining the Clippers' equity pledge is the first step to buying the team. If the Clippers don't want to repay the 5 million in the future, they can just exchange it for equity.
Min Congda hesitated for a moment, not because he couldn't accept this condition, but because he thought that the equity pledge needed to go through Boss Sterling, who as a general manager could not decide.
So, Min Congda said: "I'll call Mr. Sterling and ask if this condition is acceptable."
Then Min Congda called Sterling.
Sterling has had a very good time since becoming a puppet.
He doesn't need to worry about taking care of the team's assets. The people below have taken care of them well and increased their value.
Traveling around all year round and investing in real estate, tourism and other industries, life is much more comfortable than being a team owner in the past.
Recently in January, he was sunbathing in Australia in the southern hemisphere. At this time, it was still daytime in Australia.
After receiving the call from Min Congda, he said before he even heard a few words: "Everything is up to you, whatever you say will be fine! I will fax it and sign it!"
After getting Sterling's consent, Min Congda and Ballmer reached a verbal agreement and won the 5 million.
At the same time, Anschutz and Ballmer both expressed their willingness to support the Clippers in building a new arena. They will invest in shares to help the Clippers finance and build houses.
Min Congda's "Afang Palace Project" took an important step, and he felt very comfortable thinking about this.
Think about the Nets' Barclays Center, which was proposed in 2004 but shelved in 2009 due to the financial crisis.
The project was restarted in 2010 and is expected to be completed and officially opened to the public in 2012. The entire project will cost more than US$1 billion.
This arena directly caused the Nets to go bankrupt and change ownership, and was bought by Russian tycoon Mikhail Prokhorov.
According to Min Congda's idea, the Clippers' new arena can't be built without $1.5 billion.
When the time comes, you must not hire any Chinese construction company, you must find a local one, hire local workers, and let them slowly polish off the foreign work.
A super arena directly brought down the Clippers' finances, and they were heavily in debt. No matter how good the team's performance was, it was useless.
By then the Clippers will go bankrupt and the team will change ownership, and his mission will be completed.
By then, with hundreds of millions of dollars in dividend assets, you will be able to truly reach the pinnacle of your life!
This kind of idea has never been erased from the first day Min Congda took over this task.
"Hey, I am really a person who never forgets my original intention! As long as I have a dream, I will definitely make it come true. Come on!"
Min Congda encouraged himself, and at this time, the game between the Clippers and the Thunder was about to begin.
Some people died, but not completely...
