レッスンを予約する
Step 1
Read the Article
Read the article to understand the main idea.
記事を読んで、おおよその内容をつかみましょう。
Seahawks sale process begins less than 2 weeks after Super Bowl win, Paul Allen’s estate says
Allen’s estate announced on February 18 that it has begun the process of selling the team, which is coming off its second Super Bowl victory in franchise history. The NFL did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press. The estate said it had nothing further to add beyond its brief statement.
Before the Super Bowl, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell praised how Allen’s estate has managed the Seahawks, which have been owned by his sister Jody since Allen, co-founder of Microsoft, died in 2018 at age 65. He said the team would eventually need to be sold in line with the trust’s requirements, and that the timing would be Jody’s decision.
Investment bank Allen & Company and law firm Latham & Watkins will lead the sales process, which is expected to continue through the offseason. NFL owners must then approve a final purchase agreement.
The estate said the sale matches Allen’s directive to eventually sell his sports holdings and direct all proceeds from the estate to charity work. The Seahawks have been in the Allen family since 1997, when Paul Allen bought the team for $194 million. Allen helped keep the franchise in Seattle, and the team is expected to remain there after the sale. The Seahawks have a lease at Lumen Field through 2032, with three 10-year options.
(AP)
Step 2
Check the Vocabulary and Phrases
Check the following vocabulary and phrases.
以下の単語やフレーズの発音、意味、使い方を確認しましょう。
estate
財産・遺産、それらを管理する団体
the money and property a person leaves when they die, and the people who manage it
The author’s estate manages the rights to his books.
その作家の遺産管理側が、彼の本の権利を管理している。
approve
承認する
to officially agree to a plan, request, etc.
The board must approve the new budget before it can be used.
新しい予算は使用される前に理事会の承認が必要です。
directive
指示
an official instruction that is given by a person in authority
The company followed the government’s directive to improve workplace safety.
その会社は職場の安全性を高めるという政府の指示に従いました。
proceeds
収益
money that is obtained from selling something
All proceeds from the concert will go to charity.
そのコンサートの収益はすべて慈善団体に寄付されます。
lease
賃貸契約
a legal agreement by which a building or land is used by someone in return for regular payments
They signed a five-year lease for the office space.
彼らはそのオフィススペースについて5年間の賃貸契約を結びました。
Step 3
Comprehension Questions
Answer the following questions based on the article.
理解度問題に挑戦しましょう。
Who will lead the process of selling the Seattle Seahawks, and what must happen before the sale is finalized?
Why is the estate selling the Seahawks, and how will the proceeds from the sale be used?
Step 4
Discussion
Share your opinions on the following questions.
以下の質問について、自分の考えを述べてみましょう。
What do you think might happen when the owner of a sports team changes? Please think of a few possible effects, including who might be affected and how they might be affected.
Do you think a sports team can keep its identity and culture after being sold? Why or why not?
What are some advantages and disadvantages of a sports team being owned by a family estate instead of a private company or individual investor?
The proceeds from the sale will go to charity; do you think it is important for wealthy owners to donate large amounts of money to social causes? Why or why not?
In your opinion, should professional sports teams focus mainly on business success or on their connection to the local community? Please explain your view.