The Miami Marlins are one step closer to being sold. Word got out Tuesday that a group led by future Hall of Famer Derek Jeter and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush have won the bidding for the team at auction . The reported sale price is $1.3 billion. It should be noted the sale is not final. They still need to secure financing and get approval from MLB.
According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, Bush will have controlling interest in the Marlins, meaning Jeter will be a minority owner. Here are some more details:
Bush plans to be the Marlins' "control person," the individual who would have ultimate control over franchise decisions, according to the source.
Jeter, the former All-Star player who lives in Tampa, plans to play an active role in the franchise.
Jeter's role figures to be very similar to Magic Johnson's role with the Dodgers. Johnson is a minority owner with the Dodgers -- the Guggenheim Partners own controlling interest in the team -- but he is essentially the face of the ownership group. He's at all the press conferences and on-field ceremonies. Why? Because, like Jeter, he is one of the most recognizable athletes in the world.