Indian-origin businessman sets sights on buying Chelsea FC

Roman Abramovich will be a tough act to follow for anyone looking to buy Chelsea but suitors are lining up and in the queue is Indian-American Vivek Ranadivé, the current owner of the NBA franchise Sacramento Kings.

Sporting publication Sportico reports that 64 year old Ranadive is "putting the final touches" on a bid for the London-based soccer team. Vivek is no stranger to sports as prior to purchasing his NBA franchise in 2013, held a minority stake in the Golden State Warriors as well.

Vivek a sporting enthusiast, would be the first person of Indian descent to own a top-flight English club if he is successful in his bid to buy Chelsea FC, a distinction he already holds in the NBA.

Ranadive grew up in Mumbai and came to the United States for college, earning degrees from MIT and Harvard before amassing a fortune as the founder of Teknekron Corp., TIBCO Software, and Bow Capital.

But the bid will face tough competition as suitors lining up for the club that has won 21 trophies, including five domestic and two European Champions League titles.