Skip to content

Report: Loria being named U.S. ambassador to France may halt Marlins sale

Rob Foldy / Getty Images Sport / Getty

A potential deal between Miami Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria and New York businessmen Joshua Kushner and Joseph Meyer could break off if Loria is appointed ambassador to France, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald who cites the New York Times.

Kushner and Meyer - who both have significant ties to President Donald Trump - were reportedly negotiating with Loria to purchase the Marlins. However, White House chief of staff Reince Priebus has been pushing for Loria to become ambassador to France. If that happens, Kushner said Wednesday he would no longer buy the franchise.

"Our family has been friends with Jeff Loria for over 30 years, been in business together, and even owned an Triple-A baseball team together," Kushner said.

"Although the Kushners have made substantial progress in discussions for us to purchase the Marlins, recent reports suggest that Mr. Loria will soon be nominated by the President to be ambassador to France.

"If that is true, we do not want this unrelated transaction to complicate that process and will not pursue it. The Kushners remains interest in purchasing a team and would love to buy the Marlins at another time."

Loria's connection to Trump is well known. The Marlins owner reportedly donated $125,000 to Trump's presidential campaign. The Kushner family, meanwhile, have been involved in the bidding for the Marlins since Loria made the team available. Kushner's younger brother, Jared, is married to Trump's daughter Ivanka and serves as senior advisor to the president.

If the deal breaks off, a former major-league owner has expressed interest in purchasing the Marlins.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox