Actor/rapper Will Smith could be the latest entertainer to hold
a stake in a professional basketball team. The Philadelphian is among a set of
investors interested in purchasing the Philadelphia 76ers from Comcast-Spectacor,
according to The Philadelphia Daily News.

The group, which was assembled by basketball legend Julius "Dr.
J" Erving, would like to have a meeting with officials from Comcast
in the near future, a source told the newspaper. Erving played 11 of his 15
professional seasons with the 76ers before being inducted into the Naismith
Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993. The collective faces competition from
another group that met with Comcast last month and has since held informal discussions.
In addition to signing nondisclosure agreements, those looking to buy the team
are advised to contact Galatioto Sports Partners, a New York-based sports investment
firm hired by Comcast.

Recent speculation suggests that owners could ask for as much as $450 million
for the Sixers, the Daily News reports, adding that the amount would represent
the largest price in league history. Despite the interest, current owners emphasize
that "no decision has been made to sell the 76ers." "We have
been approached by multiple parties interested in purchasing the Philadelphia
76ers, particularly in the wake of recent speculation," said chairman Ed
Snider in a statement released in August. "While this is not the first
time we have received some inquiries, we have decided to engage the services
of Galatioto Sports Partners, an industry-leading sports-investment firm, to
help us evaluate our strategic alternatives, including a sale or a new partnership."

If a deal is struck, Smith will join fellow rappers Jay-Z
and Nelly and R&B singer Usher as co-owners
of an NBA franchise.