NEW YORK, September 23, 2009 (AFP) - Russian businessman Mikhail Prokhorov signed a provisional agreement to become majority owner of the NBA's New Jersey Nets, the American media reported on Wednesday.

Prokhorov, the head of the Onexim investment vehicle who made his fortune in metals and mining, would become the first non-Canadian foreign majority owner of a team, The New York Times reported.

The newspaper also said the $200-million deal would also includes Prokhorov's financial backing of a new arena in the New York suburb of Brooklyn.

Prokhorov's involvement comes as club owner Bruce Ratner is having difficulty getting financing for the $800-million project.

Nothing is official and any deal would have to be approved by the league's board of governors.

In return for his investment, Prokhorov would receive an 80 percent stake in the team and almost half (45 percent) of the building.