Magic Is Part of Group Seeking an NBA Franchise for Toronto

Magic Johnson’s plan to return to the NBA as an owner will move closer to reality Monday, when he joins a group of prominent Toronto businessmen in filing an application with the league office for an expansion franchise. The new team would begin play in the 1995-96 season in Canada’s largest city.

Johnson’s business manager, Warren Grant, confirmed that Johnson is part of a group that will be the second to apply for a Toronto franchise. Although Johnson’s group numbers fewer than 10, it is strengthened by the financial clout of Thor Eaton, a co-owner of the Eaton’s department-store chain.

Grant, who said the group would be at the NBA’s New York offices at 9 a.m. Monday with its paperwork and $100,000 application fee, said Johnson would be more than a figurehead for the team.

“We anticipate him being like a general manager in a very active way, like Jerry (West) is with the Lakers,” Grant said. “He’d be doing the hiring, the firing and picking the team that’s on the floor.”

Another organization, the Palestra group, has already filed an expansion application for Toronto. That group was recently fortified with the backing of Labatt breweries and the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, which are partners in ownership of the Toronto Blue Jays. Each of the three parties would own one-third of the new basketball team. Labatt has a 90% interest in the Blue Jays, with the CIBC owning the remaining 10%.

Another group, headed by SkyDome concessionaire John Bitove Jr., is believed to be interested in a Toronto NBA franchise, but has not filed an application.

The NBA’s expansion committee will meet Tuesday in New York to review the progress toward adding two teams for the 1995-96 season, but no decision will be made that day, said Brian McIntyre, the league’s chief spokesman.