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12/23/09 4:56 AM | Johan Lindahl
Computer billionaire Larry Ellison is moving big-time into tennis, buying the Indian Wells Masters to be played under the new management March 8-21 in the Californian desert east of LA.
The Oracle corporation chief bought the tournament and its grounds at Rancho Mirage from owners and founders Charlie Pasarell and Raymond Moore, former players and principals of PM Sports Management.
Other owners included the United States Tennis Association and former players Pete Sampras, Chris Evert, and Billie Jean King.
"I am very excited to become the new owner of the prestigious BNP Paribas Open," said Ellison. "Anyone who knows me knows that I love the game of tennis. I play it regularly, watch it frequently.
"I now look forward to being in Indian Wells every March to host the greatest players in the world. This tournament has an incredibly solid foundation, including one of the best venues and management teams, and I intend to build on that and continue the vision of being one of the greatest international sporting events worldwide."
The tournament began in 1976, with Pasarell becoming tournament director in 1981.
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Whoo hoo!!!! Thank God. Tennis needs some of these tech billionaires investing in the sport. Ellison is a hardcore CEO & sailor also. Hopefully he can bring some life to this MS event (instead of the constant focus on the absence of the Williams sisters). Who knows, maybe a tennis star plugging for Oracle? Anyway, am glad to see a sponsorer with big pockets stepping in.
tenisbebe , 12/24/09 4:49 AM
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"...to be played ... in the Californian desert west of LA. "
I've heard of water polo (although I wouldn't recommend the Sultan of Brunei's version, which was rumored to have caused the drowning of many horses), but water tennis is something I've not even imagined before.
Maybe you were looking at your map upside down, Johan !
LA is, of course, on the Pacific (Western) coast of the USA.
lwalters , 12/23/09 2:23 PM