Yahoo News Evangelos Marinakis 'empire' plan emerges as surprise Nottingham Forest investment talks take place
Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis reportedly wants to invest in Hundred franchise Trent Rockets as part of his plan to form a “sporting empire” in the city.
Marinakis has already overseen the Reds’ rise to the Premier League, with promotion secured five years after he took over in 2017. And earlier this summer, the club announced the formation of Nottingham Forest Netball.
With Trent Bridge positioned just a stone’s throw from the City Ground, the Greek seemingly now wants to turn his hand to cricket in the city. According to The Telegraph, Forest have held talks about buying a stake in the Trent Rockets franchise.
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The Hundred sales process will formally begin next month. Discussions are said to have taken place between the Reds and both the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Nottinghamshire about a potential investment in the Rockets.
If a deal does take place, Trent Rockets would face a “major rebrand”. A change in strip would likely form part of that as Marinakis “would insist” the team play in his favourite colour of red.
A name change could also be on the cards. The Telegraph report Nottingham Rockets could be an option, if an investment is made by the football club.
In addition to Forest, Marinakis also owns Greek giants Olympiacos. And last November it was confirmed the shipping magnate had made an investment in Rio Ave. Marinakis put at least £17 million into the Portuguese side, which it was said would help settle the club’s debts, provide transfer funds for the January window and help with improvements to the stadium and academy.
