United confirms push for Boom recruit

Melbourne United’s new ownership era could begin with a major splash, with majority owner Travis Knipe confirming the club is actively pursuing NBA veteran Joe Ingles.

“Anything we can do to lure someone of that pedigree, history and experience,” Knipe told The Herald Sun. “We always want to be thought of as a top option and destination club.

“Joe is busy with the NBA Playoffs, but we’d love to see that happen and I think Joe would be a great addition.”

After initially buying in with a 30 per cent stake, Knipe increased his stake to 75 per cent and is the central figure of United going forward, with a deal that valued the club at $50 million. It is the highest valuation that has ever been attached to an NBL franchise.

“Being a Melbourne boy investing in a marquee Melbourne team is a dream,” he told ESPN.

“I love the pedigree of the team: the history going back to the Tigers, the success they’ve had on and off the court. That was obviously a big attraction for me.”

Knipe is teaming up with Melbourne’s existing owner Aaron Sansoni, who has picked up the rest of the ownership stake of the club.

Together, the two plan on taking United to another level, with Knipe telling The Herald Sun that he believes there has been a “conservative” approach to investment in recent times.

“So I’m super keen to come in and challenge that mindset,” he said.

“I don’t come from a mindset where we just burn cash. I have a mindset of thoughtful investment, but not being afraid to invest to back yourself so you can capture revenue opportunities in other areas that will pay off.

“It is about being clever and listening to the team and the fans.”

The ownership shift comes amid a major period of change for United following the departure of Dean Vickerman, with the club now turning its attention to the future.

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