Tottenham eye 'powerful combination' as bid prepared for new revenue venture
Tottenham Hotspur's Lewis family ownership could run a "multi-platform sports operation" if they can buy the proposed London franchise as part of the NBA's expansion into Europe.
That is according to former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who has been keeping a "close eye" on developments in relation to the new franchise.
This comes amid reports that the Lewis family are preparing a potential bid for the franchise, with North America's leading basketball league lining up a new European league to begin in 2027.
Wyness believes that securing the franchise would give Tottenham's ownership a "powerful combination" of sporting assets, which could serve them well in the coming years.
The Lilywhites already benefit from one of the biggest annual revenues in the Premier League, largely thanks to the events hosted at their state-of-the-art stadium.
While Wyness warned that Spurs couldn't host basketball at their ground, he was clear that it is an attractive investment opportunity for the club's owners.
Lewis family in line for two 'appreciating assets'
Everton’s former chief Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that the Lewis family would have the power of two hugely "appreciating assets" behind them if they secured the London NBA franchise.
Spurs have become more profitable than ever in recent years, while the excitement surrounding a new basketball franchise would also bring huge revenue opportunities.
Speaking on Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, Wyness explained the current situation with the Lewis family's interest in the franchise.
"Yeah, there's no doubt they're part of one of the syndicates in there in the NBA Europe battle. It's something I've been keeping a very close eye on as well myself," he said.
"There are a number of very, very heavyweight groups that are involved in trying to get the London franchise for the NBA. I think the Lewis family have got together with the Checkettes family and are looking at trying to build an arena around the Battersea power station area, because obviously you can't hold the NBA in the Spurs stadium with no roof.
"It's a difficult one, but it's a very attractive situation, and it's not just within the NBA in London. There's big interest throughout the major capitals in Europe for the NBA right now as well.
"But certainly the Lewis family would be looking at a multi-platform sports operation. It would be a pretty powerful combination of sporting assets that would be appreciating in value in terms of a sporting conglomerate."
Chances of Roberto De Zerbi sack revealed
Wyness previously told Football Insider earlier this week that Tottenham's eye-watering summer investment is likely to protect Roberto De Zerbi from any suggestions of being sacked for a long time.
The Lilywhites splashed over £300million on 10 new signings, but have since tasted defeat in their opening two Premier League games.
However, Wyness believes that the heavy spend in the market will actually help the boss, as the club hierarchy will be extremely reluctant to change managers and sanction another raft of new additions.
The Scottish businessman backed the boss to turn the team around, and feels that he will be afforded the time that he needs by the board.