Thank You, but not goodbye, Charlotte.
Thirteen years ago, I had the honor of becoming the majority owner of the Charlotte Hornets. The chance to own the NBA franchise in my home state and a city I love was truly a dream come true.
As Gabe Plotkin and Rick Schnall, and their ownership group, now take a controlling stake in the team, and I transition to becoming a minority owner, I want to say Thank You to Hornets fans for all the love and dedication you’ve shown the franchise and to me over the years. We’ve had some unforgettable moments together, as well as a few challenging ones, but through it all, you’ve remained committed to us. Although we were not as successful on the court as I - and many of you - would have liked, I am proud of the things that we accomplished as an organization.
I will never forget the excitement when we brought the Hornets name back to its rightful home in Charlotte, uniting the histories and fanbases of both the original Hornets and the Bobcats. Our fans told us how important this was, and the amazing level of support and enthusiasm proved their point.
One of my earliest priorities was renewing our focus on supporting the needs of our diverse community, just as we ask the community to support our team. From hurricane and COVID-19 relief efforts to our community pillars of education, hunger, military and wellness, Hornets Sports & Entertainment has been at the forefront of supporting this region and our neighbors in times of need.
Bringing an NBA All-Star Game to Charlotte was a goal of our organization. NBA All-Star 2019 highlighted our city on a global stage, demonstrating to the entire world what a great host the city of Charlotte is.
Together we brought pride to our community, created countless unforgettable memories for families and friends who cheered us on and served those in need.
To our corporate partners, thank you for all your support over the years. We could not be more grateful for your dedication.
To the City of Charlotte and its community, thank you for allowing us to be stewards of Spectrum Center and a part of the fabric of this phenomenal city.
To Adam Silver and the NBA, thank you for being so supportive of our organization and our city.
To our incredible team staff, players and coaches – past and present – thank you for your loyalty and commitment to the purple and teal.
To all our amazing Hornets fans who came out to Spectrum Center and made our gameday atmosphere one of the best in the league, your passion and intensity are unmatched. Thank you, Buzz City!
Although my love for the game of basketball and the NBA remain strong, now is the right time for me to hand over the reins and focus on my family, my personal interests and some new challenges. I’m excited to see what the future holds, and I look forward to supporting the team and the community in my new role for many years to come.
This is a Thank You, not a goodbye, because the state of North Carolina, the city of Charlotte and the Hornets will always have a special place in my heart.
- MJ