On the heels of reports that the BNP Paribas Open will be sold by Charlie Pasarell, Ray Moore and a group of investors (including the USTA) to billionaire Oracle founder Larry Ellison, insiders told Inside Tennis that the deal was not yet complete, that the “ink was not dry, although they’re very, very close.” According to sources, the 65-year-old Ellison, who is listed by Forbes as the fourth richest person in the world and has previously made unsuccessful attempts to buy the Golden State Warriors and San Francisco 49ers, likes “putting his stamp on things.”
Although, he likely wouldn’t be involved in the tournament’s day-to-day operations, Ellison, sources added, is known for his “terrific dealings,” and whether it’s his business or his boat racing, he likes to “make things beautiful and long lasting.”
Speculation is that, should the deal go through, Paserell, Moore and their BNP Paribas team would “stay in place for quite a while.”
