John Henry may soon be getting into the basketball business. A Fenway Sports Group executive says buying an NBA team is a “real top priority” for the sports and entertainment conglomerate.
Other potential targets include a cricket team, another soccer club and a WNBA franchise. An NFL team is also on FSG’s wish-list.
Gerry Cardinale, the third-largest shareholder in FSG, shared the company’s growing ambitions with the Globe’s Michael Silverman.
“I would be very disappointed if I don’t significantly increase the amount of capital that we’ve invested in Fenway to date for more opportunities,” he said. “I hope and I think we’re going to have that opportunity to do so. That’s what buying into that platform should be all about.”
Cardinale’s RedBird Capital Partners, a New York-based private investment firm, infused $750 into FSG last spring. The investment made Cardinal the third-largest shareholder in FSG, the parent company of the Red Sox.
Following RedBird’s investment, FSG bought the Pittsburgh Penguins for $900 million and partnered with LeBron James’ entertainment company. In addition to the Red Sox, FSG already owns Liverpool F.C. and Roush Fenway Racing.
Cardinal, who helped then-Yankees owner George Steinbrenner launch the YES Network in 2001, didn’t mask his appetite for growth to the Globe.
“Everything’s in play, I would say,” he added.