Information AboutWilliam Davidson |
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William Morse Davidson (born 1923 , in Detroit, Michigan ) is an American entrepreneur and professional sports owner. He is the chairman of Guardian Industries Corp. , one of the world's largest manufacturers of architectural and automotive Glass . He is also the chairman of Palace Sports And Entertainment , which owns the Detroit Pistons of the NBA , the Detroit Shock of the WNBA , and the Tampa Bay Lightning of the NHL . His Pistons won the 1989 , 1990 , and 2004 NBA Finals ; his Lightning won the 2004 Stanley Cup . His combined business ventures have led him to an estimated net worth of $ 3.5 billion. BIOGRAPHY A longtime Basketball fan, Davidson purchased the Pistons in 1974 from Fred Zollner for $35 million. Displeased with the team's location in downtown Detroit, Davidson relocated the team to the Pontiac Silverdome in 1978 and then to The Palace Of Auburn Hills , an arena financed entirely with private funds, in 1988 . Today, the worth of the Pistons franchise has been estimated at $284 million. {Link without Title} Davidson can regularly be seen at the team's home games. In 1999 , Davidson put in an unsuccessful bid to purchase the Tampa Bay Lightning and gain a controlling interest in their home arena, the Ice Palace . They lost to insurance tycoon Art Williams, but only months later Williams sold the team to Davidson and Palace Sports at a huge loss. When Davidson acquired the Lightning franchise in 1999 , it was for $100 million; its worth has recently been estimated at $136 million. Philanthropic activities A noted philanthropist, Davidson has given extensively to various organizations. The William Davidson Institute has been created at the University Of Michigan , Davidson's alma mater, following a gift of $30 million. In addition, Davidson funds the William Davidson Graduate School of Jewish Education at the Jewish Theological Seminary Of America in New York . The excavations on the southern wall of the temple mount in Jerusalem have been named the Davidson excavations in tribute to his generous donations to the project. He is also a contributor to the Wexner Foundation which gives grants to post undergrad students of Jewish Studies. SEE ALSO EXTERNAL LINKS |
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