More from RealGM
More Bobcats NewsBobcats LinksMike Wise of the New York Times reports that the Hornets are getting closer to moving to New Orleans. The Big Easy may be a much smaller market, but it understands two things that Charlotte doesn't. The city has to spend money if the NBA team is going to make money. And you don't attack team owners, even if it's justified. While visiting New Orleans last week, Stern said the Hornets had to sell 2,400 club seats, find three more corporate sponsors, complete a television deal and wrap up the paperwork on the sales of 55 suites before the close of business on Wednesday. If the Hornets meet those demands, the league's owners will vote on April 9 to approve or deny the move. At the close of business Thursday, the Hornets were 696 season tickets short of the league's benchmark for moving the team from Charlotte. Wise says it will be interesting to see if the owners vote unanimously. After all, what does it say about their businesses that two franchises have left larger markets for smaller markets in consecutive years? And what does it say about their commitment to communities? But he predicts the end is near, and soon they will be playing their last game at the Charlotte Coliseum — another once-raucous N.B.A. arena about to rest in peace. |
