Deal not done to sell and move Thrashers
While negotiations between the Atlanta Spirit and True North Sports and Entertainment continue, no deal has been reached to sell the Thrashers and relocate the team to Winnipeg.
Despite a published report Thursday night saying a deal was done and would be announced Tuesday, officials with the Thrashers, True North and the NHL said no such agreement has been reached.
Several Thrashers officials told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Thursday that the report was unfounded. The Winnipeg Free Press reported that a high-ranking True North official denied the report.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, speaking earlier in the day on NHL Live, said no deal has been made to move the Thrashers to Winnipeg– and criticized reports of a possible move. However, he did not rule out relocation unless someone steps forward to own the team here.
“We get reports, speculation, that the team’s gone. And there’s no deal,” Bettman said. “I can tell you that with certainty that there is no deal for this team to move. Am I predicting that there will never be or that there won’t be at some point in time? No, I’m not saying there is or there isn’t.”
NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly also issued a denial. “The Board has not been asked to consider nor approve any transaction involving the sale and/or possible relocation of the Atlanta Thrashers’ franchise. Any suggestion to the contrary is entirely untrue.”
The Thrashers and True North have been in active negotiations, as reported by the AJC. The team is also searching for a buyer willing to keep the team in Atlanta. However with time running out to find local ownership, a deal with True North could be reached in the near future. A move to relocate the franchise would have to be made soon in order to begin play next season.
Bettman said the NHL always wants to keep a team in its current market but must have an owner to operate it there.
“The decision as to whether or not to move a club doesn’t come out of looking at two markets and saying, ‘This market would be better than that market,’” he said. “We try to keep our clubs where they are. And if it is ultimately determined that a club has to move, generally the reason . . . is because nobody wants to own a team there anymore, nobody wants to fund the losses and [the current owner] can’t find a buyer.”
The Thrashers’ ownership group has said that it faces a “sense of urgency” to shed the team’s operating losses and that if a buyer can’t be found to keep the team in Atlanta, relocation is a possibility.
The first two callers to Bettman’s show, broadcast on satellite radio and the Internet, were Thrashers fans. The first said Atlanta will support a hockey team if ownership meets the fans halfway by putting a competitive product on the ice.
“I understand and respect that,” Bettman said, “but the key to this may be, in the final analysis, whether or not somebody wants to own the team in Atlanta. In the absence of either the current ownership group continuing to own and operate or somebody stepping forward who wants to buy the club, that becomes the situation that concerns us or any sports league.
“We’ll only leave a market - in this case Atlanta, picking up on the caller’s statements – if we have to. And hopefully the current ownership group will figure a way out of this that makes sense for everybody,” he said.
The caller told Bettman that the Thrashers drew strong crowds in their first five seasons and that a fan rally will be held Saturday to show support for the team.
Noting that the Thrashers have ranked near the bottom of the league in attendance the past two seasons, Bettman said: “I understand that there may be dissatisfaction there, but demonstrating your dissatisfaction by not going to games is an interesting strategy. It’s your absolute right. But if it becomes a turnoff for anybody who might want to buy the franchise, the long-term consequences could be severe.
“It will be interesting to see how many people show up at the rally on Saturday,” Bettman said.
He declined to put a deadline on a decision about whether the team will be moved.
“Obviously, as it relates to next season, time is getting short,” he said. “We have to do a schedule. We’re doing a schedule with our broadcast partners; we have to have it done for clubs by the end of June. And it’s not something you can do in 28 or 48 hours.”
- Staff writer Tim Tucker contributed to this report.
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381 comments Add your comment
Les Habitants
May 19th, 2011
11:51 pm
Big Wally,
I agree with you. Canadian economy was bad, that was why the Jets and Nordiques left. They were good business decisions at that time. Now, things turn arond. Thrashers’ move to Winnipeg makes as much sense as Jets’ and Nordiques’ moves did.
Enos
May 19th, 2011
11:51 pm
Yep, just like you lost your first team to the Canadian rednecks of Calgary! Kansas City – FAILED; Milwaukee???; Cleveland – FAILED; Hartford – FAILED. Atlanta – worst sports city in North America.
thrasherdawg
May 19th, 2011
11:51 pm
The NHL allows the ASG to sell the Thrashers while having clear title to the team for only 5 months.
Most people can’t sell their house in 5 months.
Bettman is a Joke.
Kevin
May 19th, 2011
11:52 pm
@Steve-O wow, now that’s a really good come-back. You come up with that all by yourself or did your dad help you type it?
EA
May 19th, 2011
11:59 pm
Sage, Bettman seems to think fans with your way of thinking have done nothing but discourage a new owner. As stated earlier, he calls the boycott strategy interesting with possible severe long term effects. You have been saying for a long time that if no one showed, he would step in. Since he is aware that the boycotters have been not going to games for two years, he did take notice. Unfortunately, he did not do anything about it other than to most likely move the team.. I guess he thinks Atlanta fans should support a lousy team while waiting for a new buyer.
Old Time
May 19th, 2011
11:59 pm
I just have one question, Bettman says a team needs an owner, but Phoenix hasn’t had one for two years, so how does that work again?
Kevin
May 19th, 2011
11:59 pm
Thrasherdawg..now there’s a knowledgable hockey fan.
“I wish the players all could have no trade clauses so they don’t get traded to Winnipeg:. Umm…you do realize this is a sale and not a trade. Just like if I bought your trailer, I could choose to keep renting it to you or I could send you packing. The players will go to Winnipeg then the new management, which won’t include any off the tools currently in the front office will decide who they trade, who they send down who they keep.
its me
May 20th, 2011
12:00 am
Actually if and only if we get a NHL team the thrashers were NOT THE jets let it go the coyotes WERE the jets not the thrashers. So with that being said IF we get a team here in Winnipeg but it won’t be the jets get over it… Sorry for your loss Atlanta if you lose your team.
Joe Friday
May 20th, 2011
12:00 am
RealKyper Nick Kypreos
Confirming Brunt story #Winnipeg deal done. Told Thomson/Chipman in full partnership. Hear re-location fee alone for #NHL between 50-60M.
wpgJetsfan
May 20th, 2011
12:02 am
http://media.winnipegfreepress.com/audio/HnL-May19-Stephen-Brunt.mp3
2mins
May 20th, 2011
12:02 am
Reported relocation fee was $50M – $60M paid by TNSE
Keep Hockey in Atlanta
May 20th, 2011
12:05 am
This truly is depressing.
Joe Friday
May 20th, 2011
12:06 am
Atlanta fans, grab the real story here. We know the Spirit Squad blows. We know Waddell was incompetent. But now we know something new. The NHL approved this months ago and threw Atlanta under the bus after they fought for Pittsburgh, Nashville, Tampa, Phoenix. Bettman and the NHL lied to us, this deal was done months ago, that’s a fact. All they’ve been doing is negotiating the contract, which takes months in and of itself, especially when dealing with jokers like Levenson and Co.
So, now knowing what the NHL did here, are you ever going to support this Mickey Mouse league again? That answer is pretty clear to me, fool me once, shame on you . . .
EA
May 20th, 2011
12:09 am
Go to the Globe and Mail–Headline–Deal Not Done Yet.
Jay
May 20th, 2011
12:09 am
EA=DENIAL!
Sage of Bluesland
May 20th, 2011
12:10 am
Nope, EA, don’t be like that buffoon Kincade and start blaming the fans (like myself). No.
The problem with this organization started at the top–and trickled down into management.
I’m actually thankful that I caused even a small portion of more of their LOSSES (through at least my dollars held back).
Don’t even go there. You know the truth, deep-down. Place the blame for this debacle where is squarely belongs.
Uncaring ownership–incompetent management. That’s it; end-of.
BCWFLASH
May 20th, 2011
12:11 am
Atlanta lost around 20 million this year but Phoenix lost around 36 million and had a round of Playoff hockey to help as well. If Atlanta could get a great ownership group together then they could buy and move from a higher loss city to another ready to go arena and city. This would be Atlanta’s best chance to get back on the horse and win. I don’t think it will happen but is a possability if an ownership group could be found.
StevenBrunt
May 20th, 2011
12:11 am
that’s an associated press article
The headline is still deal is done
EA
May 20th, 2011
12:12 am
Not holding out hope, but the Globe and Mail just updated the front page to say Deal Not Done yet. Goodnight.
EA
May 20th, 2011
12:13 am
Not in denial Jay. I promise! Unless I am seeing things from fatigue, I just read that headline. Go gloat Jay.
StevenBrunt
May 20th, 2011
12:14 am
Atlanta Thrashers moving to Winnipeg
that’s STILL the headline at G&M
Les Habitants
May 20th, 2011
12:15 am
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/globe-on-hockey/why-bettman-fights-for-phoenix/article2028684/
kreedham
May 20th, 2011
12:15 am
I’m still hoping it’s not true but it sure doesn’t look good. I know several people that work for the Thrashers…a couple will probably get moved over to the Hawks but some will lose their jobs. If it happens I’m feeling bad for those soon to be unemployed.
Can’t believe that someone like Arthur Blank doesn’t come in and save us! Ireally believe the town would get behind the team with an owner like him.
Sage of Bluesland
May 20th, 2011
12:16 am
I guess the sheep-inaction and inability to accept reality continues into this very late hour….To you, EA….To your false-hope….I just wish we had a spweadsheet-special from Sara to truly commemorate this final insult to our intelligence.
Bettman will be in Winnipeg on Tuesday to make the grand announcement.
Keep Hockey in Atlanta
May 20th, 2011
12:17 am
So the whole thing about the group wanting to keep them here was smoke and mirrors?
Ike
May 20th, 2011
12:20 am
If I was a city that the NHL contacted about building a new building in the future I would take a long look at how they have steam lined the process for getting out of town including secret meeting to OK moving a team in advance of any sale. And the fact that they would consider a move to a 15000 person arena in a city not much more than a 10th the size of the current one that can clearly not maintain the team over a long period of time as a better option than sticking with the current city. Remember they jumped in a bailed out Buffalo and Phoenix quickly enough and the Thrashers have no debt so they would only have to help the team until a new owner could be found. That would make me very nervous if the NHL wanted me to sign for a several hundred million dollar building and they do business like that. Expansion cities beware.
oifvet
May 20th, 2011
12:22 am
are we seriously losing our team to a trailer park like winnipeg? has the nhl lost its mind? $60 million will not make up for the fact that ‘peggers will stop going to games after year 1 or 2. for all of their talk about us not going to games (which i personally did despite the incompetence of the asg), go look at their attendance records. the worst part is that their arena can seat the entire town! congratulations nhl on proving why you can’t compete in the north american sports market.
2mins
May 20th, 2011
12:23 am
This is still not over. The next step according to the WFP will be a season ticket drive that will be used to gauge if people will open thier wallets as well as thier mouths. I guess if the numbers aren’t to the NHL’s liking, they can still keep the team in Atlanta. I already have my money set aside, but will enough people? We should see next week.
Thrashers
May 20th, 2011
12:23 am
it’s pretty sad that the stories of the Thrashers moving being confirmed is first coming from sources other than out of the local area ……..
kreedham
May 20th, 2011
12:25 am
Regarding a possible AHL team here I’m guessing the Gwinnett owner would have something to say about that. I imagine he would want to move up in classification. To do so, I’m believe he would have to sell or relocate the Gladiators and then buy a current team to move or get an AHL guarantee for an expansion team.
If the team is sold it just makes no sense for the ASG to hold onto the Hawks. While it’s 2 different crowds I think it would leave a sour taste in Hawks fans as well!
2mins
May 20th, 2011
12:25 am
Sorry oifvet…. but even 14,000 people in Winnipeg paying an average of $60 will be way more money than a game in Atlanta will ever pull in.
EA
May 20th, 2011
12:26 am
Sage, no false hope here. Never has been. No one is insulting your superior intelligence. Go pat yourself on the back again. The sub title on the Globe and Mail says both True North and Bettman deny the deal. Not buying it. However, I knew I read it.
Keep Hockey in Atlanta
May 20th, 2011
12:30 am
@Kreedham couldn’t an AHL team play in Philips? I mean with the Thrashers leaving(more than likely) that is 40+ open dates that certainly won’t be filled by concerts.
Ike
May 20th, 2011
12:31 am
It is worse than that the average person in Winnipeg has less disposable income and when you do the math like 1 in 35 of the age to go will have to go to every home game. Now that might sound like plenty but take out those who cannot afford to go or have other things to do like children jobs or other commitments and the numbers look real bad real quickly. So moving the Thrashers to Winnipeg to maybe fill another few seats now rather than stick it out and fix the problem and fill the 18500 seats at the Phillips plus the fact that Atlanta is the 8th largest media market in North America and this deal makes suddenly sounds crazy.
Steve
May 20th, 2011
12:33 am
Too funny Bill Daly says the board hasn’t been asked to approve it. The two sides just agreed. How would the board have time to see it yet? We’ll see on tuesday. Why the big secrecy?
EA
May 20th, 2011
12:34 am
BTW Sage, I missed your first comment to me. I wasn’t blaming you. Bettman was. I think I have posted a number of times that I respected everyone’s decision whether to attend the games or not. No need to insult anyone. I guess you couldn’t help yourself on your second comment.
Sage of Bluesland
May 20th, 2011
12:38 am
No, I couldn’t [help myself]. It’s a learned habit on trying to get Thrashers fans to accept my perception of reality….for so many years.
Old habits die hard.
Oh well, such is life….such is the fate of incompetence (ASG). I wish the team well in Winnipeg.
thrasherdawg
May 20th, 2011
12:38 am
Kevin.
Come on, Really…you think I was serious. I was making lite of the fact. In other words, I was joking.
BTW you couldn’t afford my trailor. It’s 7000 sq ft on 48 acres. I’d probably sell to you for 2.2 million. Are you interested?
oifvet
May 20th, 2011
12:42 am
14000 paying $60 compared to the potential for 18500 people regularly with new ownership and a good product? seriously? you are from canada where the education system is supposed to be far superior to ours. how does that makes sense? don’t flatter yourselves, this is clearly not about the potential of winnipeg. this is about greed and the fact that the nhl can subsidize its railroading of glendale. if you think that this is about winnipeg then you should get your head examined. we may not be a hockey-first town, but winnipeg proved the first time what nhl mediocrity looked like. you’re in canada and you couldn’t sell tickets? seriously?
Ike
May 20th, 2011
12:43 am
It is easy for Bettman to tell others what they how they should spend their money but if he gave a rat’s but about the Thrashers he would have gotten a little more involved a few years ago and given us something worth paying our hard earned dollars on.
Mr11American
May 20th, 2011
12:46 am
Do not believe any reports until you hear it directly from the NHL.
-
It was all over, Balsillie had the Yotes and they were on their way to Hamilton. A few years before, Predator season tix were being sold in some God-forsaken Canadian village. Pittsburgh had to endure a headline just like the one that you read here.
-
Fight for your team!
-
Hockey can’t grow in Canada, it can in Atlanta. Get to work. Good luck to those who care
G52PlM228
May 20th, 2011
12:48 am
you crazy ?
it’s over in ATL
it’s a done deal
B. Thenet
May 20th, 2011
12:56 am
Well congrats Sage, you finally got your wish.
Must be a big night for you, now end it in the right way….Remember to cut lengthwise, not side to side.
Jason
May 20th, 2011
12:59 am
Think it’s pretty obvious where this was heading when it emerged that ASG wanted to keep both the Hawks and, more importantly, the arena.
So any buyer who keeps the team in Atlanta would also have to budget for 45-50 nights of rent. Sounds like ASG wanted the team gone all along.
(if that has changed, someone correct me).
kreedham
May 20th, 2011
1:08 am
@keephockeyinAtlanta…yea they could play in Philips but I’m not sure the AHL would approve with another minor league team close by. Plus I would think they’d rather use Gwinnett arena than have a team downtown. We’ll see what shakes down! If the team does move I expect Gwinnett will get a nice attendance bump next year….they just need to affiliate with a different team. It wouldn’t be right being a farm team of the team we just lost!
David F
May 20th, 2011
1:11 am
lets all calm down now until something is official. I am hoping beyond hope that hockey returns to Winnipeg, but would take ansoutely no joy with this being at your expense. On behalf of all good people from Wpg of which there are many, i apologize for some of the idiots from my town who are being less than classy in their comments. Please know that they are in the vast minority from our city and there is no need for any of us to bad mouth and call names at each other.
BlackAngus
May 20th, 2011
1:14 am
Deal is NOT done, don’t believe it until you hear it directly from NHL League office.
Keep Hockey in Atlanta
May 20th, 2011
1:15 am
Oh i’m sure Gwinnett will see a spike in attendance. I’ll certainly go to as many games as possible, wish I could have gone to more Thrasher games over the last 3 seasons. I wanted to go to so many more but either couldn’t get the time off or just couldn’t find anyone interested in going. I hate that i’ll probably never see NHL hockey again in Atlanta.
Guffman
May 20th, 2011
1:17 am
Denigrating Winnipeg won’t save your team. You just look classless.
When we lost the Jets, we didn’t slam Phoenix. We were upset with Bettman, and the way the league was headed. The reality for us was that we had a 40 year old arena that couldn’t generate enough revenue. It just didn’t work for us at that time.
So, stay classy Atlanta.
Charlene
May 20th, 2011
1:19 am
I have 500 people screaming outside my building right now, setting off fireworks and dancing in the streets.
Has anybody in Atlanta *ever* been that excited about the Thrashers?