Ryan expresses interest in Rangers stake

DALLAS, May 29 (UPI) -- Texas Rangers President Nolan Ryan says he may be interested in purchasing a stake in the MLB franchise from Ranger owner Tom Hicks.

The Dallas Morning News said Friday while Ryan did mention the possibility of purchasing a stake in the American League franchise, the Hall of Fame pitcher added he has not seriously investigated the issue as of yet.

"I think here in the future we'll see where this goes, and if it's a possibility, I wouldn't rule it out," Ryan said Thursday.

"I would think that any involvement I would have would consist of a group," the former MLB standout added.

Ryan's comments come after Hicks announced he was prepared to sell a majority stake in the Rangers, who were 27-19 and in first in the American League West going into Friday.

The Morning News said Hicks purchased the Rangers for nearly $250 million in 1998 and Forbes magazine currently has the professional baseball team valued at $405 million.