Indonesian media magnate Erick Thohir was officially announced as one of the

Indonesian media magnate Erick Thohir was officially announced as one of the owners of professional National Basketball Association (NBA) team the Philadelphia 76ers, following the NBA’s Board of Directors’ approval on the sale.

While a slew of Asian businessmen have been buying into English League clubs recently, such as Malaysia’s Tony Fernandes, who was recently unveiled as a majority shareholder of the Premiership side Queens Park Rangers, Mr Thohir holds the distinction of being the first ever Asian owner of an NBA team.

Sacramento Kings executive Jason Levien and film producers and Hollywood power couple Will and Jada Pinkett Smith are also part owners of the Philadelphia 76ers, also known as the Sixers.

Mr Thohir is well known in his home country of Indonesia as the founder and owner of Mahaka Media, but less known is his passion for basketball.

He also hold the current title of the President of the South East Asian Basketball Association (SEABA) and has expended continuous efforts to grow the sport in the region

His most recent acquisition could be an indication of future greater involvement of NBA teams in the region.

The Sixers is a professional basketball team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the US, and is one of the oldest franchises in the NBA.

They have won three championships and feature basketball big names such as Wilt Chamberlain, Charles Barkley and Allen Iverson.

Ahhhhh Asia is taking over our sports too!!!

via Asiaone.com