fevertrees
08-14-2011, 09:11 AM
Here we go!:lobt2:
"NBA Commissioner David Stern said Friday that up to five potential buyers have expressed an interest in purchasing the New Orleans Hornets.
Speaking on a podcast hosted by ESPN.com’s Bill Simmons, Stern said the league is not ready to sell the team until after a new collective bargaining agreement is completed.
However, Stern said the necessary steps continue to move in place to make the franchise attractive for a buyer.
“The fact of the matter is that New Orleans is approaching 9,000 season tickets, they are looking at a possible new cable deal; we are having a very large impact on sponsorships,’’ Stern said. “There is a state subsidy right now, which we are seeking to have continued.
“I think the team will not be a small-market team in terms of revenue, and there will be a very good chance a buyer will say I want that team, and I want it in that market.’’
The Hornets are expected to announce two new major sponsorship deals next week, according to league sources.
The league, meanwhile, is currently in its first work stoppage since the 1998-99 season. The league and its players’ association remain decidedly apart on a new salary-cap system and the percentage split of the league’s revenues."
"NBA Commissioner David Stern said Friday that up to five potential buyers have expressed an interest in purchasing the New Orleans Hornets.
Speaking on a podcast hosted by ESPN.com’s Bill Simmons, Stern said the league is not ready to sell the team until after a new collective bargaining agreement is completed.
However, Stern said the necessary steps continue to move in place to make the franchise attractive for a buyer.
“The fact of the matter is that New Orleans is approaching 9,000 season tickets, they are looking at a possible new cable deal; we are having a very large impact on sponsorships,’’ Stern said. “There is a state subsidy right now, which we are seeking to have continued.
“I think the team will not be a small-market team in terms of revenue, and there will be a very good chance a buyer will say I want that team, and I want it in that market.’’
The Hornets are expected to announce two new major sponsorship deals next week, according to league sources.
The league, meanwhile, is currently in its first work stoppage since the 1998-99 season. The league and its players’ association remain decidedly apart on a new salary-cap system and the percentage split of the league’s revenues."