Peyton Manning's wife joining Grizzlies' group

Manning and Hardaway join a minority group that includes singer and actor Justin Timberlake and a couple of Memphis businessmen, the person told The Associated Press on Thursday on condition of anonymity because Pera's purchase of the Grizzlies is pending approval by the NBA.

The addition of Manning and Hardaway first was reported by The Chris Vernon Show on WMFS-FM on Thursday.

Pera, owner of a California tech company, agreed to buy the Grizzlies from Michael Heisley in June for $350 million. The NBA is expected to approve the sale this month.

Since agreeing to buy the Grizzlies, Pera has been busy lining up his own group of minority owners including AutoZone founder J.R. "Pit" Hyde and businessman Staley Cates who were minority owners with Heisley. Pera also has worked to add plenty of local star power to the group as well.

Timberlake was born in Memphis. Hardaway is a Memphis native who played collegiately at then-Memphis State. Ashley Manning married Peyton there on St. Patrick's Day in 2001. Peyton Manning played at the University of Tennessee across the state in Knoxville.

The four-time NFL MVP's name is not expected to be on any of the paperwork involved. The Mannings issued statements to The Associated Press on Thursday, and Peyton said he is proud of his wife as she pursues this opportunity.