For everyone interested in learning in how the world actually works, take a moment and learn about the finances in professional sports:
As of May 1st, Ballmer owned about 333 million shares of Microsoft stock. That comes out to about $13.3 Billion.
Source:
Bill Gates Now Owns Less of Microsoft Than Steve Ballmer - Forbes
Assuming he sells all $13.3B in shares, he will pay $2.66 Billion in capital gains tax (13.3B*20%).
Hence, he has up to $2.6 Billion dollars with which he can buy a team. Why? Well, like all good sheeple, we live in a culture that holds 'sports' above almost anything else. Hence, in 1946 the IRS approved the Roster Depreciation Allowance.
The Roster Depreciation Allowance basically allows an owner to depreciate athletes the same way that you'd depreciate an equipment investment or livestock. Therefore, the $2Billion that Ballmer paid will show up as a $2 Billion loss over the next decade. Even if the team brings in $30 million a year, Ballmer will still be losing hundreds of millions on paper.
In less than 20 years Ballmer will have a franchise for free that he can then sell again to the next billionaire for $2 Billion.
For more information on Roster Depreciation Allowance here are some links:
Link:
The Hustler: Bill Veeck and Roster Depreciation Allowance | White Sox Observer
Another link:
Exclusive: How An NBA Team Makes Money Disappear [UPDATE WITH CORRECTION]
I spend a lot of time studying tax loopholes and have a fondness for sport. Feel free to ask questions if you need any more clarification.