According to the New York Times, Donald Trump has been in contact with Fred Wilpon to discuss the possibility of buying the team in a face to face meeting that has yet to be scheduled.
Trump said Tuesday that he called Fred Wilpon, the Mets’ principal owner, about two weeks ago to arrange a face-to-face meeting to discuss whether he is interested in buying at least a part of the club. The meeting has not yet been held, said Trump, who made it clear that he would be interested only in buying a majority stake in the team.
Trump said that even though he wants to buy the majority of the team, he would still allow the Wilpons to remain as minority owners and still allow them to make decisions.
“The Wilpons are friends of mine, and I really hope it works out great for them,” Trump said, referring to Wilpon’s desire to sell only a minority share of the club. “But if anything doesn’t work out for them, I’d be interested in the team.”
Trump has no interest in a minority share of the team.
One obstacle that stands in the way is Trump’s connections to the gaming and gambling industry. Baseball rules dictate that an owner or officer of a club cannot own or operate a casino.
