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Marbury buys Chinese arena football team

Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports / Action Images

Stephon Marbury is the new owner of the Beijing Lions of the China Arena Football League.

The former NBA star, who has played in the Chinese Basketball Association since 2010, channeled fellow Brooklynite Jay Z in announcing the acquisition Friday on Twitter:

Marbury is set to play his final season in China after signing with the Beijing Fly Dragons in July. He has expressed interest in returning to North America to play basketball, and, according to business manager Gustavus Bass, has aspirations of owning an NBA or NFL team.

"Stephon is following in the footsteps of other NBA greats and business/team owners like NBA legend the great Magic Johnson. One day he intends to buy a NBA team or maybe a NFL team," Bass said in a statement. "A CAFL team in Beijing is a natural fit for Mr. Marbury. This acquisition demonstrates his commitment to his second home and sports in Beijing. He wants to be a part of the sports scene in Beijing for a long time."

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