Michael Jordan plans to take another crack at becoming an NBA owner, according to league commissioner David Stern, who added that the game's marquee player over the past two decades could take control of a team soon.

Stern said he anticipates Jordan, who once held a minority interest in the Washington Wizards, will obtain a majority stake in an NBA franchise within "the next few years."

"Nothing is as good an advertisement for the openness of the sport at an ownership level than having its most recognizable figure be an owner," Stern said yesterday during a media conference call.

Stern did not elaborate about how Jordan would buy a team.

Since Wizards owner Abe Pollin unceremoniously fired him as the team's president of basketball operations 11 months ago, Jordan has sought majority control of at least two NBA franchises.

The five-time NBA most valuable player negotiated for a majority stake in the expansion Charlotte Bobcats but talks with owner Robert Johnson stalled. Jordan's attempt to purchase the Milwaukee Bucks also fell through.