If first impressions mean anything, Russian billionaire playboy Mikhail Prokhorov's attempt to become majority owner of the New Jersey Nets and move them to Brooklyn appears to be a slam dunk. Russia's richest man won over many NBA owners last night at The St. Regis hotel in Midtown during his first meeting with league brass about his plans to buy an 80 percent stake in the Nets from developer Bruce Ratner, a source said. "Everyone seemed excited over the love he has of Basketball and the unlimited amount of money he can inject into the game," the source said of the closed-door session.
"He can also do a lot to boost the presence of Eastern European talent in the league."
Prokhorov, who declined comment, is seeking to become the NBA's first non-North American majority owner.
He must gain the approval of at least 23 of the NBA's 30 owners following an extensive league background check given to prospective new owners.
A formal vote has yet to be set, but league owners will meet again today.
With an estimated fortune of $9.5 billion, Prokhorov is famous for his lavish lifestyle.
He was questioned - but not charged - in a prostitution investigation in France in 2007.
