CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Michael Jordan is used to conquering challenges.
Turning around the Charlotte Hornets appears to be his next mission.Jordan went on record Monday that he's had preliminary talks about co-owning the Charlotte Hornets, but he wasn't saying much more about his plans. He did confirm that he has been in touch with Hornets and NBA officials.
"In response to reports, I can confirm that I have been contacted by George Shinn and (NBA commissioner) David Stern regarding co-ownership of the Charlotte Hornets," Jordan said in the statement issued Monday through agent David Falk's office in Washington.
Jordan spoke with Shinn earlier this month about buying a 50 percent share of the NBA franchise, according to officials with the Hornets and the league.
"At this stage however, the discussions are very preliminary, and I am unsure whether I will be able to make an investment on terms that are acceptable to me," Jordan said.
Hornets officials were not talking Monday about Jordan's remarks.
Jordan, who grew up in Wilmington and starred at the University of North Carolina, said staying involved in the NBA "would be a fulfilling personal and business challenge."
"In addition, as a North Carolina native, I would welcome the opportunity to be involved in growing the Hornets into an elite NBA team," Jordan said. "It would be premature to comment any further."
The Chicago Sun-Times, quoting unidentified sources in an article Sunday, said Jordan and Falk were in the Bahamas, discussing the move from retired player to part-time owner.
"If this is something Michael wants to do, I'm all for it because he's earned the right to do whatever he wants to do," Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf said.