The San Antonio Missions revealed Wednesday the full roster of the new ownership group acquiring the minor-league baseball team: a high-profile group of developers, civic leaders, media and sports executives, and former athletes.
A group of investors known as Designated Bidders acquired the Texas League team this week from longtime franchise owner Dave Elmore and the Elmore Group, which owned the Missions since 1987, according to the team. A press conference was scheduled for Thursday at Nelson Wolff Stadium, where the Missions currently play.
The announcement hinted that a new ballpark was in the team’s future. Where it would be located and how it would be financed have spurred speculation in recent months.
The new ownership group “is aware of the capital improvements and expenses needed” at Wolff Stadium, said the statement. “Designated Bidders is committed to addressing the stadium issue in order to ensure that professional baseball remains in San Antonio for generations to come.”
In addition to business executives Bruce Hill, Randy Smith, Graham Weston and Bob Cohen who founded Designated Bidders, the team’s new owners include Spurs Sports & Entertainment Chairman Peter J. Holt and Spurs basketball Hall of Famers David Robinson and Manu Ginobili.
Ryan Sanders Baseball — owned by the families of Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan, CEO Reid Ryan, and Don Sanders — will join Designated Bidders as owners and operators of the Missions.
Sports legends Roger Clemens and Craig Biggio, both with strong Texas ties, are part of the Ryan Sanders ownership and their investment in the Missions.
Other heavy hitters signing on as owners include San Antonio civic leaders such as Henry Cisneros, Hope Andrade, Berto Guerra, Max Navarro and restaurant owners La Familia Cortez.
The new owners did not disclose what they paid for the team.
The Missions have played at the Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Stadium on San Antonio’s South Side since 1994. On Nov. 15, the City Council gave its approval to reassign the lease agreement Elmore has held since that time. The lease runs through 2031.
In July, rumors began to circulate that a local group of investors was working to assemble parcels of land downtown for a new stadium that would better meet Major League Baseball standards that also cover Triple-A baseball. The urban core was targeted to position a ballpark in proximity to tourism and growing development in the downtown area.
Though Designated Bidders has not yet disclosed a potential location for the stadium, the front office pointed to the professional background that each of the new owners brings to the team, including downtown developers Smith and Weston.
The well-known leaders of Weston Urban have a portfolio that includes Frost Tower, Legacy Park, the under-construction 32-story apartment tower called 300 Main and a planned residential tower in the former Continental Hotel block recently approved by city leaders.
“We believe our city needs a vibrant stadium where pedestrian-friendly business, recreation, public spaces, art and culture attract the talent of today and tomorrow,” stated Smith, CEO of Weston Urban. “When developed properly, state-of-the-art developments anchored by a well-located ballpark can provide the stimulus to accelerate those critical human connections.”
As for baseball experience, Reid and Nolan Ryan have extensive résumés with MLB. After a 27-year pitching career in professional baseball, Nolan Ryan served as the Texas Rangers CEO from 2008-13, while his son Reid worked as the president of business operations for the Houston Astros from 2013-19.
The company they founded, Ryan Sanders Baseball, created the Round Rock Express and built Dell Diamond north of Austin in 2000. They also founded the Corpus Christi Hooks and developed Whataburger Field there in 2005.
“Our team’s dedication to excellence and the fan experience is in great alignment with the Designated Bidders group of investors, their vision and energy,” stated Reid Ryan. “This partnership will ensure the future of professional baseball in San Antonio for generations to come, and we couldn’t be happier to be on board for the journey.”
Holt is CEO of the heavy equipment supplier Holt CAT. As owner and leader of the Spurs, he has continued the ownership that saw the team win five NBA championships.
Hill is a part owner of the Spurs, and Cohen, a San Antonio native and longtime media executive, has been involved in media, sports and entertainment throughout his career.
“Local ownership is essential to ensure the long-term success of the Missions for our community,” said Hill, who will serve as the point person in the Missions’ relationship with MLB. “The investor group is pursuing this challenge out of our collective desire to keep San Antonio the vibrant, diverse and unique city that we all love.”
The Missions are members of the Double-A Texas League as an affiliate of MLB’s San Diego Padres.
Graham Weston’s 80|20 Foundation, La Familia Cortez and Spurs Give are financial supporters of the San Antonio Report. For a full list of business members, click here.
