April 16, 2014 01:00 AM

These money manager execs are more than just fans

Hedge fund and private equity executives love to buy sports teams and at least two NBA franchises are for sale: Minnesota Timberwolves and LA Clippers.

The Milwaukee Bucks are the latest sports team owned by hedge fund executives. A group that includes Avenue Capital Management's Marc Lasry (pictured) and Fortress Investment Group co-founder Wesley Edens agreed to buy the team for $550 million.

The owners of the New York Mets sold a $20 million stake to Steve Cohen of SAC Capital after the team experienced financial troubles associated with the Madoff case. Mr. Cohen reportedly is interested in a larger stake.

Stephen Pagliuca, a managing partner at Bain Capital, is one of two money managers that are lead owners in the Boston Celtics of the NBA. The other co-owner is Wycliffe "Wyc" Grousbeck, a former partner at venture capital firm Highland Capital Partners.

Joseph Lacob, a partner at venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, is the majority owner of the National Basketball Association's Golden State Warriors.

Ted Leonsis, the owner of the NHL's Washington Capitals and the NBA's Washington Wizards, is also a venture capitalist at Revolution LLC.

While Paul Allen (left) is best known for co-founding Microsoft with Bill Gates (right), he also is a venture capital and private equity fund manager via Vulcan Inc., not to mention the owner of the NBA's Portland Trail Blazers and the NFL's Seattle Seahawks.

Mark Attanasio (center in gray shirt), the principal owner of the Milwaukee Brewers of Major League Baseball, is also a director of the TCW Group.

John William Henry II, the founder of commodities manager John W. Henry & Company, is better known as the principal owner of the Boston Red Sox and Liverpool F.C., and co-owner of NASCAR team Roush Fenway Racing.

Before Randy Lerner became the principal owner of the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League, he was co-founder of money manager Securities Advisors Inc. In 2006, he also became chairman of Aston Villa Football Club of the Premier League.

The owners of the New York Mets sold a $20 million stake to Steve Cohen of SAC Capital after the team experienced financial troubles associated with the Madoff case. Mr. Cohen reportedly is interested in a larger stake.