Las Vegas 51s reach agreement on team sale

Chris Milam, owner of Silver State Baseball LLC, has entered into a contract with Stevens Baseball Group LLC to purchase the Las Vegas 51s for an undisclosed price, the Triple A Pacific Coast League franchise announced Friday. Subject to league approval, ownership of the franchise is expected to be transferred by the end of July.

"We couldn't be more excited about reaching an agreement to acquire the Las Vegas 51s," Milam said in a news release. "Acquiring this franchise is an important step in the creation of the Las Vegas National Sports Center which will be the new home of the 51s as well as allow for the expansion of professional sports into the Las Vegas market."

Team executive director Don Logan confirmed the pending sale.

"I admire Mr. Milam's vision and look forward to working closely with him and his team," said Logan, who added, "One of my key responsibilities is to secure a new stadium for the franchise.

"In my more than 25 years with the team, the Las Vegas National Sports Center is by far the most innovative and realistic opportunity for that to happen," Logan said.

Drew Dondero of Stevens Baseball said on behalf of the seller that "Mr. Milam represents the right direction for the franchise and we feel that it will be in good hands going forward."

Branch Rickey, Pacific Coast League president said in the release, "We couldn't be more pleased that Mr. Milam is committed to acquiring the Las Vegas 51s. We are enthusiastic about having a new ballpark as a part of the Las Vegas National Sports Center. It would be a great boost for the Las Vegas 51s to be a part of a sports complex of this magnitude ..."

In addition to a new state-of-the-art ballpark, the proposed $1.95 billion Las Vegas National Sports Center will consist of two additional privately owned and financed venues; a 17,500-seat state-of-the-art arena designed for NBA basketball and a 36,000-seat state-of-the-art stadium designed for major league soccer.