Royals Owner David Glass Reportedly Eager to Finalize Sale of Team Due to Health Issues

We were a bit taken aback earlier this week to learn, about 20 minutes apart, that not only was Royals owner David Glass exploring selling the team, but he was actually deep into negotiations with an Indians minority owner.

First, we heard rumblings. Then, the deal was nearly finalized, just like that.

Why did things move so swiftly and under the radar? Sadly, the reason isn't simply an opportunity for financial windfall.

Per sources and close associates, Glass is fast-tracking the sale as his own health deteriorates.

Prayers to David Glass, 83, who has told friends and associates this past week that his urgency to sell the #Royals is because of health reasons. The sale of the franchise to KC businessman John Sherman will be just north of $1 billion. It should be finalized by November.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) August 29, 2019

This transaction will net Glass' family over $1 billion dollars, a monster profit from the purchase price of the team back in 2000; Glass got in on the ground floor, paying "just" $96 million.

Kansas City Royals owner David Glass is negotiating a sale of the team to local businessman John Sherman for more than $1 billion, sources tell ESPN. Sherman is currently a minority owner of the Cleveland Indians and would divest himself if Royals deal is finalized as expected.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) August 27, 2019

The franchise is, of course, one World Series championship richer than when Glass arrived. He purchased a bottom feeder, turned them into the player development class of baseball, and brought home a significant amount of hardware. Back-to-back American League championships is nothing whatsoever to sneeze at. Quite simply, he brought baseball back to one of the great American cities.

Kansas City thanks you.