It was not public knowledge that the Neo-Tokyo Akira had been on the market for some time now. Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group,a Tokyo bank with international ties, had been quietly shopping the team around, seeking the perfect candidate. The timing of the sale was shocking as the Akira had just completed their finest season to date, reaching the PEBA Championship finals for the first time in their history. The organization also made owner Tim Foster a handsome profit according to league financial statements, netting him nearly $30 million this year alone. Yet there were reports of his being absent from the team while pursuing other interests stateside. Thus the surprise sale of a team he 'fostered' into a winning PEBA institution.Recently, SMFG advised Foster that José Vega out of Texas, USA was the most viable suitor and that he would commit to keeping the Akira in Neo-Tokyo for the foreseeable future, a commitment that Foster stipulated in the sale according to knowledgeable sources.
In prepared remarks, Foster said: "It's important to me that Neo-Tokyo fans get treated fair and square in the future. We've located a great partner in José Vega and I think you're going to love what he will bring to the table. There will be a Sovereign League team here for a very long time.
Vega made his fortune in finance and is generally considered charitable in terms of spending. Vega is regarded by close associates as a tolerant and benevolent businessman,and is expected to take a charitable approach to payroll issues.
GM Ron Hiscock was reportedly ecstatic after his first meeting with the new owner. "He is committed to keeping this franchise running at the high level it has reached over the past few years and backed up his words with a financial commitment in terms of payroll that will help us do that." Reportedly the teams operating budget was immediately upped by nearly $20 million, with a promise of additional resources in the future. A bigger budget is desperately needed if Neo-Tokyo is to have any hope of keeping pace in the ubercompetitive Rising Sun Division and retaining at least some of it's brightest stars. Tomás Martínez, Jeffrey Grier and José Fernández will all have expiring contracts at the end of 2033.
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