There have been few players as competitive as Larry Bird. In the NBA and outside it. He was successful both as a GM and as a player. And he translated this success even in real estate. It comes as no surprise that Bird once battled, former President of the USA, Donald Trump over rights to $60 million worth of property.
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The two locked heads over rights to a plot in French Link, Indiana. Bird’s hometown was selling the land for the construction of a casino.
With millions in revenue to come and the possibility of contributing to the town, it was a battle Larry Bird wanted to win. But he was up against a billionaire.
French Lick’s Most Famous Son, Larry Bird
Larry Bird grew up in French Lick, Indiana. The small towns’ best days were in the past. It had once served as a tourist destination of sorts, largely because of its mineral springs and casinos.
Once referred to as the Las Vegas of the Midwest, the town is now mostly famous due to Larry Bird. The Celtics legend is famous for his confidence and trash-talking. However, going into the battle with Trump, he was largely subdued.
Bird knew that the town could not play favorites. A nearly non-existent local economy and massive unemployment meant the bidder who promised the most would win.
Bird was not simply there to participate though. He intended to win. Larry was part of a group along with local businessmen. The group insisted its casino would indirectly generate over 1,100 new jobs and $139 million in economic activities. These were astounding numbers by any mark. Bird went further, promising to donate all his profits to the town.
The property in question was situated between two massive hotels. Almost guaranteed to generate $60 million in gaming revenues, the land was immensely valuable.
The Town decided that Trump’s project was more favorable and Larry Bird lost
Bird is known for his loyalty. He spent all thirteen years of his career with the Boston Celtics. The land and the casino would be ways of paying back his beloved hometown. This story however does not have a fairy tale ending.
In the end, the town decided to sell the property to the Trump group led by Donald Trump. Larry Bird is not used to losing. Bird famously once walked into the locker room before the three-point shootout on All-Star Weekend and asked who was coming second.
However, there are some battles you can’t win. And when pitted against a billionaire, especially for property you are unlikely to win.
