Wes Edens and Marc Lasry say hello, Herb Kohl says goodbye

Out with the old, in with the new.

That was the PR theme for the Bucks over the weekend, as incoming owners Marc Lasry and Wes Edens issued an open letter to fans looking to the future, just a day after Herb Kohl released his own letter looking back on his nearly three decades of ownership.

Both statements were as positive and down the fairway as you would expect, serving as a fitting prologue for what should be a busy first week for Lasry and Edens. First here's the new guys:

Dear Citizens of Greater Milwaukee and Milwaukee Bucks Fans Worldwide:

As I'm sure you have heard, this week we completed our purchase of the Bucks from Senator Herbert Kohl. We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the gracious welcome and support that has been extended to us since we began this process. It is an honor and a privilege to be a part of this incredible team, as well as a member of the National Basketball Association.

Owning an NBA team with a storied history and loyal, passionate fan base has been a lifelong dream for both of us. We are proud and honored to make that dream a reality right here in Milwaukee; however, we know that with this great honor comes a responsibility to Bucks fans and this community.

This marks the beginning of a long-lasting partnership with the City of Milwaukee, surrounding communities and the State of Wisconsin. Both ourselves and Senator Kohl have pledged substantial personal resources and will work alongside the community to develop a new state-of-the-art venue in Milwaukee that will benefit not just the Bucks, but the region as well. We will become deeply involved in the community, and it is our hope that you and others will soon come to regard us as two of your own. And, of course, we are eager to have you come cheer alongside us at Bucks games once the season begins.

Our desire to succeed is enormous. We are prepared to do all that we can to field a consistently competitive Bucks team for years to come, beginning with selecting a top pick in next month’s NBA Draft. This is the start of a new era in Bucks history. We look forward to working with all of you to deliver an NBA Championship to Milwaukee.

Fear the Deer!

Wes and Marc

And here's Sen. Kohl, whom I think we should humbly offer one last slow clap as he officially relinquishes ownership:

Dear Milwaukee, Surrounding Communities and the State of Wisconsin,

When I bought the Milwaukee Bucks back in 1985, some things I have always been passionate about, basketball, my hometown, and my state, came together to form a unique experience. Having been part of the effort to bring an NBA expansion franchise to Milwaukee in 1968, and then buying the team in 1985 to keep it here, I am honored to have had the privilege to lead the Milwaukee Bucks organization for almost thirty years.

I want to express my gratitude and appreciation to our ticketholders, sponsors, and fans. Your unwavering loyalty has always been critical to the success of our franchise. To our employees, your incredibly hard work, commitment and award-winning customer service have consistently made me proud to represent the Bucks.

Throughout my time with the Bucks, providing our customers with the best combination of quality, value and service has been central to our mission. We've worked tirelessly as an organization and as a team to grow and improve. In spite of last season's inconsistent performance and a record that none of us is proud of, we see the silver lining of this challenging time: we have a core of promising young players, we head into the draft guaranteed to get a top four pick, and we remain dedicated to building a winning team the right way, with the right players, that will make everyone proud.

The Bucks have an exciting future, and I know our new owners, Wes Edens & Marc Lasry, are eager to start their journey and share with you the many bright days and years ahead. Wes and Marc know how much I love our city and state and they share with me how important the Bucks are to our future. Together, we have committed to help finance a new 21st century sports and entertainment facility. They are starting their ownership as I did nearly thirty years ago - with a commitment to keep the Bucks in Milwaukee. I know our community will welcome them and join and support them on their journey.

On behalf of the entire Bucks family, thank you and here's to the next 30 years of Bucks basketball.

Go Bucks Go!

Herb Kohl

Welcome Wes and Marc, and good luck Sen. Kohl. Onward and upward.