DeVos Decides It’s Time to Sell His Magic

Orlando Magic owner Rich DeVos is putting the franchise up for sale, saying he’s “wearing down,” the Orlando Sentinel reported Sunday.

DeVos told the newspaper that he can’t guarantee the team’s new owner will keep the club in Orlando.

“I can’t ask him to do anything,” DeVos said. “I don’t see any reason why he would want to leave Orlando. Where are you going and what’s the rationale of that?”

Magic officials wouldn’t comment on a sale, but planned to hold a news conference today.

DeVos, who made his fortune as co-founder of Amway Corp., has owned the Magic since 1991, but he claims the team is losing about $10 million annually because its current arena lacks moneymaking amenities, such as mid-level suites.

DeVos, 76, said he has been planning to sell the team for about a year. He said his age and his health--he had a heart transplant four years ago--played a part in his decision, along with estate planning.

“It’s time,” he said. “I’ve had a wonderful run. I’ve had a ball.”

The team has battled with Orlando and Orange County officials over a new arena, estimated to cost $250 million.

Government leaders repeatedly have told the team that the money isn’t available.

In July, the county predicted that $79.2 million would be available by 2006 for a new arena--less than two-thirds of what the Magic sought.

And the county’s financial projection came before the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, which hurt the region’s tourism industry.

*

The 2-year-old daughter of Portland Trail Blazer center Dale Davis was released from the hospital after having open-heart surgery.

“Everything is fine. Everything went well,” Davis said before Sunday night’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Caida Davis was born with a hole in her heart, and a surgeon repaired it Thursday in Atlanta, Davis said.

Caida lives in the city with her mother.