Robert Johnson, who was recently awarded an NBA franchise in Charlotte, N.C., is apparently interested in buying the Expos as well, the Toronto Globe and Mail reported Wednesday.

According to newspaper sources, Johnson has begun preparing a formal bid for the Montreal franchise by retaining the Shearson Lehman Bros. brokerage firm.

The Black Entertainment Television founder is interested in moving the Expos to Washington, D.C., and has formed a partnership with Redskins owner Daniel Snyder, the Toronto newspaper reported.

The NBA officially announced Dec. 18 that Johnson will get the chance to put a team back in Charlotte, making him the first black majority owner in major pro sports.

Forbes magazine estimated Johnson's wealth at $1.3 billion this year, making him 149th on the magazine's list of richest Americans.

Johnson became a billionaire when media conglomerate Viacom bought BET for about $2.3 billion in stock in 2000.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.