What Professional Team Does Bill Maher Own? (Spoiler Alert: It’s Not the Mets Anymore)
So, you’re curious about Bill Maher’s sporting allegiances, are you? You’ve heard whispers of a Mets connection, and you’re dying to know if this comedic kingpin is a true blue owner or just a casual fan? Well, buckle up, because this story is more dramatic than a Mets game in the bottom of the ninth!
The Short Answer: Bill Maher, while a die-hard Mets fan, doesn’t own any professional sports team anymore. He sold his stake in the New York Mets in 2020 when Steve Cohen, the current owner, bought the majority stake.
But Wait, There’s More! Let’s rewind the clock a bit and take a look at how Bill Maher, the man known for his sharp wit and politically-charged talk show, ended up tangled in the world of baseball.
The “Real Time” Mets Investor
In 2011, the Mets were, shall we say, not having a great time. They were a team in turmoil, and their ownership was looking for a bit of a cash injection. That’s where our man Bill Maher, a lifelong Mets fan, swooped in like a well-timed home run. He saw an opportunity, and he saw a chance to become part of something bigger than himself.
Maher, with his signature blend of humor and cynicism, even admitted to ESPN in 2012 that he thought the investment was a “great deal”, remarking that he had been a fan “since they came into existence, which was soon after I came into existence.” That’s right, folks, Bill Maher’s love for the Mets is practically a birthright.
More Than Just a Fan
Now, a 4% stake in the Mets might not seem like much, but it cost him a cool $20 million. It wasn’t just a symbolic gesture, it was a serious investment. Maher, who has a net worth estimated at $140 million, wasn’t afraid to put his money where his mouth was.
The Cohen Factor
For years, Maher held onto his Mets stake, seeing the team’s highs and lows. Then, in 2020, the tide turned. Steve Cohen, a hedge fund billionaire with a passion for baseball, bought a majority stake in the Mets, and that meant changes were on the horizon.
Cohen’s arrival brought a wave of excitement and optimism to the Mets, but also, it meant the end of an era for Maher. He sold his stake, pocketing a tidy profit and likely walking away with a sense of satisfaction.
The Takeaway
So, what’s the lesson here? Maybe it’s that even the most brilliant of comedians can find themselves swept up in the rollercoaster world of sports. Or maybe it’s that investing in a sports team is like investing in a roller coaster: you might have a wild ride, but you’ll always have a story to tell.
But the story doesn’t end there! Maher’s Mets journey might be over, but his financial savvy and the potential for future investments in the sporting world could be just getting started. After all, with a net worth like his, who knows what ventures he might take on next? Could we see Maher as the owner of a struggling basketball team? Or maybe a hockey team? Only time will tell! One thing’s for sure: Maher’s never afraid to take a risk, and that makes him a fascinating figure to watch in the world of sports and finance.
So, if you’re looking for a heartwarming tale of a comedian’s love for a team, look no further than Bill Maher and his time with the Mets. It’s a story of passion, investment, and the bittersweet reality of change. And who knows, maybe he’ll surprise us all with a new sporting venture in the future? Stay tuned!
