By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
The city of Orléans is set to approve an investment agreement with JHZ OLB Holdings LLC, paving the way for a significant ownership change at Orléans Loiret Basket.
According to BeBasket, the club — currently structured as a semi-public entity and heavily reliant on municipal funding — could gradually transition under American control. The plan includes an initial acquisition of 45% of the club for €450,000, along with a five-year agreement for the exploitation of the OLB brand in North America worth €4.5 million.
The investment group is reportedly led by Ben Jenkins, Matt Hong and Jamie Zaninovich, the latter two bringing experience from sports media and NCAA leadership roles.
In a second phase, scheduled for April 2027, JHZ is expected to increase its stake to 80% through a capital increase, with the total investment projected to reach €6.6 million over five years.
City officials believe the move will provide the club with greater financial resources and help achieve its goals of returning to France’s top division and competing in European competitions.