Multiple attempts to reach Middleman were unsuccessful. Two sources noted there are other interested suitors and it remains unclear how far along conversations with Middleman or anyone else have progressed. Middleman, 67, has discussed purchasing a minority share in the Indians, several sources with knowledge of the talks told The Athletic. At least one candidate has emerged: Stanley Middleman, the founder and CEO of New Jersey-based Freedom Mortgage, one of the nation’s largest FHA and VA lenders. The franchise also seems to be moving toward change at the top, with Dolan conveying interest in identifying a new minority investor. The current pact lapses after the 2023 season, the ballpark’s 30th in the heart of downtown Cleveland.

are nearing an agreement on an extension on the Progressive Field lease, according to multiple sources. The team, city and stadium landlord Gateway Corp. After more than a century with the same nickname, the organization is undertaking a branding overhaul, with a new moniker, logo and uniforms in development.

Indians officials continue to insist the team operates in the red on a near-annual basis and that it will require several years to recover from the financial damage inflicted by the pandemic. Nevertheless, drastic change is approaching. The Indians have no plans to abandon Cleveland. “The franchise isn’t going anywhere,” a high-ranking team official told The Athletic, an assertion several other sources echoed, and one Dolan has stressed internally. What is happening? Is the franchise moving to Nashville? Are our jobs safe? Is the team’s tenure in Cleveland on borrowed time?ĭolan’s answer was resounding: We aren’t leaving. Finally, the question was posed to owner Paul Dolan over the winter during a regularly scheduled video conference with members of the organization. The looming changes sounded enough alarms that even team employees started to wonder where this was all headed.

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