The Sidelines : Owners of the Houston Astros Consider Selling the Ball Club

HOUSTON —  The Houston Sports Assn., owners of the Houston Astros baseball team, announced today that it will consider selling the team.

Speculation that John McMullen, majority owner of HSA, has been planning to sell has been circulating for more than a year, mostly because of McMullen’s advancing age and the increasing value of the team over the last two years.

McMullen, 71, said today in a prepared statement: “Having been so completely involved over 12 years with HSA and the Astros, the time has come for me to devote more of my time and energies to my family and my many other interests.”

Sources have said HSA’s current value could be as high as $185 million to $200 million. McMullen, a shipbuilder with offices in New York and Washington, controls more than 80% of the sports association.

McMullen said he has notified the baseball commissioner’s office of HSA’s intent to sell the Astros. Major league baseball must approve any change in ownership of one of its teams.

McMullen also said he wants a local interest to buy the team.