Down to one group currently negotiating to keep Thrashers in Atlanta
There is currently just one group in active negotiations with the Atlanta Spirit interested in purchasing the Thrashers and keeping the franchise in Atlanta.
The group, not from Atlanta, is working with team president Don Waddell. A deal is not imminent, according to Waddell.
“My job is to try to find a buyer who will keep the team in Atlanta,” Waddell told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “As long as they keep taking my phone calls, I’ll keep working.”
Earlier this month, Waddell was dealing with two prospective buyers, neither local, to keep the Thrashers in Atlanta.
Negotiations also continue between Atlanta Spirit officials and True North Sports and Entertainment on a deal to purchase the Thrashers and relocate to Winnipeg. Such a deal is also not imminent, however an agreement would likely need to be reached in the near future to accommodate relocation.
An exclusive negotiating agreement has not been signed allowing multiple on-going negotiations.
“As has been the case, I cannot comment on who we are talking to or the status of those discussions,” Atlanta Spirit co-owner Bruce Levenson said.
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324 comments Add your comment
G52PIM228
May 19th, 2011
4:37 pm
If I were truly “loaded” I would not need the bank to forgive my house payments so I can afford a new car..
TNSE = Paper Tigers..
Anti-G52
May 19th, 2011
4:38 pm
So sad….. G52PIM228 has no friends letf on AZC so he has to come here…. So sad.
DawgDad
May 19th, 2011
4:39 pm
Doesn’t anyone realize the Atlanta Thrashers do not belong to “Atlanta”, and truly have not for some years now? We have absentee ownership bent on making a buck flipping this asset; they’ve admitted in court proceedings they never wanted to operate a hockey franchise in Atlanta except for that purpose and short-term only at that.
If they stay, I’m only interested if we get ownership committed to building a franchise long-term here in Atlanta. Otherwise, please leave, sooner the better.
Local hockey fans have been lied to and played for suckers. I’m done with this franchise unless it gets the right ownership, and that is likely a moot point.
The only hope we ever had was Belkin winning in court, and I’m not certain about that.
DW
May 19th, 2011
4:40 pm
C-Viv, I know you must report the facts but their are also reports out there suggesting TNSE wanting government assistance and are unhappy about ASG’s price and also Gary Bettman’s comments last night (nothing immanent) and we do not hear that from you?
Anti-G52
May 19th, 2011
4:46 pm
DawgDad…..
Barry Shenkarow in Winnipeg was no different with the Jets in 1995. He can talk and cry about trying to keep the Jets in Winnipeg all he wants, but the second he saw the dollar signs he could get by flipping it to Phoenix, he was working as hard as Bettman to move the team. There were groups in Winnipeg that wanted to buy the team in 1995, but Shenkarow with the help of the Winnipeg Free Press ( believe it or not ) did everything to sabotage a sale.
G52PIM228
May 19th, 2011
4:48 pm
“groups in Winnipeg that wanted to buy the team in 1995,”
Two dozen kids clutching a combination of piggy banks shards and coins can not really be considered a serious “group” to purchase the team..
HillMan
May 19th, 2011
4:48 pm
DawgDad and others who think “events” and blog rants are useless are correct. I do think we Thrashers fans have a week or two window at the most to get everyone we know to put up or shut up. If each of the 4,000 – 6,000 or so core season tickets holders can get friends, family or co-workers to sign up for season tickets we can save this team. If their is a potential owner willing to keep the team here, why wouldn’t we get them off the fence and show them we can put 15,000 plus in the arena every night, as we did when the team first came here.
I have already done this with my cycle of folks and will be calling my ticket agent tomorrow to double my order. Let’s all stop talking, meeting and ranting and take action. We should treat this like we did when we were a city looking to get an expansion team – lets commit to the new owner.
Guffman
May 19th, 2011
4:49 pm
Do you want Chris to be more like Baghdad Bob and deny what’s happening to the Threshers? Do you really want to read stuff like this from Chris:
“Atlanta Thrasher fighters in Umm Qasr are giving the hordes of Winnipeg and NHL mercenaries the taste of definite death. We have drawn them into a quagmire and they will never get out of it.”
“It has been rumored that we have fired scud missiles into Winnipeg. I am here now to tell you, we do not have any scud missiles and I don’t know why they were fired into Winnipeg.”
Hockeysux23
May 19th, 2011
4:51 pm
who cares? Is a bad investment for anyone who wants to keep them here. Even if they had Mario and Grtezky in their prime playing on the same team in Atlanta. It still wouldn’t sell out.
PMC
May 19th, 2011
4:52 pm
HS23, you’re an idiot. of the 4 bottom teams in attendence this year the Thrashers are the only ones that have EVER operated in the black.
The fanbase was eroded by management and player failures, and the fact that Don Waddell has a job.
Now go back to watching cars drive around in circles.
Guffman
May 19th, 2011
4:54 pm
Oh, so G52 is a Coyotes backer. If I were you, you should be hoping the Thrashers go to Winnipeg. That will take some leverage that the NHL has over Glendale next year when you still don’t have an owner.
If the NHL doesn’t have a viable relocation option, the Coyotes might just stay for a couple more years.
I guess the thing that Atlanta and Winnipeg hockey fans have in common is wondering why the heck does Phoenix still have a team when no one wants to buy them without massive subsidization? You’re the team that should have moved.
Interesting take by the G&M on why Bettman fights for Phoenix and not Atlanta: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/globe-on-hockey/why-bettman-fights-for-phoenix/article2028684/
DawgDad
May 19th, 2011
4:56 pm
Anti- . . .
I agree. I’m from St. Louis, where I witnessed the Hawks leaving and later the terrible way fans were treated by Bill Bidwill who owned and moved the football Cardinals, and by the NFL in holding season ticket holders hostage to paying for exhibition games to retain “seating preference” in the leadup to the Rams move (preference which was disclaimed at face value by the Rams). I’ve seen bad stuff, and the Thrashers treatment of local fans is bad.
The owners have a right to buy and sell teams, no question. The issue here is there never were good faith dealings with the Atlanta hockey fans – we were being used to turn a profit with NO commitment at the ownership level for building a strong, lasting local franchise. In my book, that is a fundamental foundational principle of pro sports ownership, one which owners and leagues have from time to time ignored to suit their personal needs.
Bob
May 19th, 2011
4:57 pm
RK in MB; Well put.
J E T S
May 19th, 2011
4:59 pm
It’s too bad we can’t have an intelligent discusion about this without insulting each other’s city or fans. People like G52 as well as some of my fellow Winnipers who are no better, make it make it tough to carry on an intelligent discusion.
Yes Winnipeg can support an NHL team now & it should not be compared to 1996. I am a die hard Hockey fan and of course would love to see the NHL back in Winnipeg but throwing salt in the wound of Thrashers fans is not how it should be done, lets show some class.
Also I would like to commend the Thrashers fans who are being logical about this (not G52=no class). The only 2 certainties are that the Thrashers are owned by a group who no longer wants to own the team and TNSE seems to be the only legit buyer. Anything else is purly speculative at best.
By the way GP52, the province is not chipping in for the team, they are helping out as it positively affects our economy outside of the team. Every dime of this purchase would be coming from the private sector.
G52PIM228
May 19th, 2011
5:02 pm
So, still no announcement from TNSE other than begging for public funds, has anyone heard a peep from THEM..
DawgDad
May 19th, 2011
5:03 pm
“If their is a potential owner willing to keep the team here, why wouldn’t we get them off the fence and show them we can put 15,000 plus in the arena every night, as we did when the team first came here.”
It wouldn’t matter one whit. Attendance is not the problem.
G52PIM228
May 19th, 2011
5:04 pm
“the province is not chipping in for the team”
Ya, the money is not technically for coke and hookers, I get it..
Winnipeg Citizen
May 19th, 2011
5:05 pm
I am not one to usually post online, but as most people here, this story is compelling to me.
I am originally from Portage La Prairie, near Winnipeg and now live in Winnipeg. I grew up playing hockey and watching the NHL. In my early years the NHL (and specifically the Winnipeg Jets) was the core of my universe. In 1996 I mourned the loss of the team I spent my first 21 years passionately following.
For the past 2 years I have read papers (both local and now thanks to the internet internationally) following the story of TNSE’s attempt to bring hockey back to my city.
While reading the papers based in the U.S., I am quite disgusted by what I am reading from the posts of my fellow Canadians here and in the forums from Arizona.
I want to apologize for the attitude displayed by the Canadians posting on these forums. Like in the United States (also Great Britain and every other country on the planet) there is a small, vocal group of jerks in Canada who have an inflated sense of entitlement and feel they are free to act like elitest snobs. Let me assure you that these baseless ignorants are not indicative of how the average Canadian feels towards the citizens of Atlanta and Thrasher fans. I personally feel We in Canada are no more “entitled” to hockey than anyone else.
Hockey, like all sports, breeds deep passion in its fans. While most passion is to be applauded, there is some that take that passion too far and let it replace empathy and common sense. It is sad that these people are the ones posting on these forums and are giving a skewed view of Canadian sentiment. Most people I talk with do not feel the same antipathy that these Canadian posters convey. In fact, most feel a bond having the shared experience of facing your team’s potential departure.
I really do feel for Thrashers fans. I know how it feels to know you might lose your team. I do think that the previous and current owners screwed the fans out of the NHL staying in Atlanta as they really did not seem to care.
If the Thrasher team has to move due to no local owners, then I am hoping they come to Winnipeg obviously. However, that does not mean that I am enjoying pain of uncertainty being heaped upon Thrasher fans and employees. If a local buyer is found, then I will applaud your victory. It is sad that one city has to lose to have another gain. Such is the cold hand of business I guess.
The whole situation is less than ideal. Unfortunately, there will be a winner and a loser either way it turns out. My hope is that whatever the outcome, that the citizens of both cities treat each other with grace and compassion. It has been sorely lacking so far.
Mike Phelan
May 19th, 2011
5:09 pm
G52PIM228: I thought we were rid of vermin like you once your feral dog team was bailed out by your government. I use my real name, vermin. What is yours?
DawgDad
May 19th, 2011
5:10 pm
“My hope is that whatever the outcome, that the citizens of both cities treat each other with grace and compassion.”
Get real. We are (1) hockey fans and (2) bloggers; “grace and compassion” are in neither dictionary, “boarding and slashing” might be more appropriate.
HillMan
May 19th, 2011
5:11 pm
I agree with J E T S we should all stay classy, however, every sports fan should be outraged by the owners, the league and media. There is a larger issue playing it self out again as it has in NBA, NFL and MLB towns all over North America.
My dad was a huge Brooklyn Dodgers fan. When they moved to LA for years he hated baseball. Now the LA Dodgers have an ownership that may be even worse then these ATL clowns. When will the leagues and owners wake up and understand every time the allow moves and poor management they erode their fan base. The media is also to blame. If the media was truthful here in the ATL they would admit they had a difficult time covering this team due in part to personalities and lack of cooperation from this ownership group. Lack of coverage does help contribute to empty seats.
audette28
May 19th, 2011
5:19 pm
Bob– they addressed that on CBC– prospective buyers & the nhl know they will have ZERO problems selling tickets. The suites in the arena are already PAID FOR & in a local media poll a majority of those suite owners said they would happily cough up the extra dough for Jets games if they came. I will try to find the article on it.
jojo
May 19th, 2011
5:20 pm
DON WADDELL HAS BEEN ALOSER SINCE THE FIRST DAY IN ATLANTA.CURRENT OWNERS WERE NEVER COMMITTED TO WINNER. A HOBBY, HOPE TO TURN MILLIONS IN PROFIT. WELL ALL THE ABOVE MENTIONS CAN KISS MY………………….
J E T S
May 19th, 2011
5:25 pm
Yes HillMan, you are right. I don’t know how it turned into who’s fans are better or who’s city is bigger. I’m sure the ASG is the main issue here for the Thrashers sale and if the team performed on the ice, maybe it would be different. I’m sure with new ownership in place it would make a big difference but the fact is, the team is for sale. And the media without a doubt is making a mess of this and I’m sure its alot worse in ATL than it is here.
McLellan
May 19th, 2011
5:35 pm
The media keeps flooding the public with scenarios and innuendos. Bettman is absolutely correct when it comes to the media hype. It has to slow down and let the parties do what they have to do. I’m tired of this song and dance. Why don’t we just stop speculating and just wait and see what happens.
EXJet
May 19th, 2011
5:38 pm
I don’t want to see any hockey fan go through what we went through – period. Caution though – Impossible to know where or who the negative stuff comes from exactly (usernames are not always what they seem!).
greatwhitenortherner
May 19th, 2011
5:42 pm
why are you all trying to keep a team in atlanta. you had the flames and it failed miserably. then you have the thashers, ive watched the team play and the empty seats i saw told me that people are tired of hockey. give it up floks you just not interested. leave it for canadian citys that want and can support a hockey team. god you americans are a greedy lot.
glovesave29
May 19th, 2011
5:45 pm
“you had the flames and it failed miserably”
Guess the same could be said for Winnipeg if you use that kind of logic
“leave it for canadian citys”
Spell much?
“god you americans are a greedy lot”
dunno – look at your previous comment. Sounds kinda greedy to me….
You have the Winnipeg Free Press. Go there…
GatorFan
May 19th, 2011
5:49 pm
So the new update on SB Nation says Smith still wants to buy the Thrashers. It isn’t much but its news. But my 2 cents would be, even if this guy has the money, would Bettman and the BOG allow him into the club?
thrasherdawg
May 19th, 2011
5:49 pm
Winnipeg can get a team next year or the year after. Maybe at some point an expansion team.
If the Thrashers leave Atlanta, there will never be another NHL game here in my lifetime.
Paddy
May 19th, 2011
5:51 pm
Enter your comments here
audette28
May 19th, 2011
5:51 pm
ATL didn’t lose the Flames because of the fans. Learn your hockey history goof-whitenortherner.
da' boomer
May 19th, 2011
5:55 pm
anyone thought about a call to bernie marcus? i think he has a few bucks socked away
audette28
May 19th, 2011
6:08 pm
Ted, can we borrow a few mill?
Wow
May 19th, 2011
6:11 pm
bahaha G52 is from the Arizona Republic! He actually posts comments about nothing all day. There is no way this guy has a family or job…
wpgJetsfan
May 19th, 2011
6:15 pm
To the Atlanta fans, do not believe that some of the rude comments in your boards are coming from Manitoba. The AZ trolls from the AZrepublic are posing as Manitoban’s just to troll and start a fight with your fine Atlanta people.
G52PIM228
May 19th, 2011
6:21 pm
I saw a lot of chatter about Winnipeg getting a team on this forum and decided to inject a bit of reality into the fantasy that the NHL will somehow return a team to the tiny frozen village..
Realistically, the NHL is as interested in putting a team in Winnipeg, as I am.. I mean the alleged “rich” buyer is already asking for help from the province, checks FROM the NHL will be soon to follow..
jerry
May 19th, 2011
6:24 pm
If having a hockey team means they have to be non competitive and have the lowest payroll in the league, I am not interested. Been there, done that.
Steve-o
May 19th, 2011
6:25 pm
anyone thought about a call to bernie marcus? i think he has a few bucks socked away
———————————————————————-
Exactly, where are those Home Depot guys when we need them? Marcus paid $250 mil for the GA Aquarium, so the Thrashers are practically chump change… Maybe he and Arthur Blank can partner on this!
OHL
May 19th, 2011
6:50 pm
I think you fans in Atlanta can figure out I have been enjoying some of the banter here. Believe it or not, I am not from Winnipeg. Never been to Manitoba or Alberta, only time in Western Canada was when a flight to/from Toronto had a stopover in Vancouver. I have to say though it is nice to see support for hockey down there, but some of you are horrible because you make cracks about straw huts, a dead goose, igloos and crass things like telling me to stick my extremities in the snow. For you who are like that I ask, where do you think that the players you root for come from? They grew up in the same type of town that I grew up in, so unless you want to insult the people you beg to stay, knock out the childish name calling.
I am laughing hysterically now that I read that G52PIM228 is not even from Atlanta but from Phoenix.
I have been watching these blogs for at least a few days now. Believe it or not, I have learned a ton of information from here and other internet sites that has given me a wealth of knowledge. I have a whole new perspective on expansion/relocation in the NHL. Some of it will amaze you as to what I’ve learned and how I support things today that I wouldn’t have dreamed of supporting a week ago. Some of it you will not like what I have learned.
But please, keep it classy and get away from the name calling. Some of us come here for information and only leave with a bad impression of Atlanta, Winnipeg and now even one guy from Phoenix.
The 27
May 19th, 2011
7:09 pm
G52 Give those Whineypeg Troll’s hell I love it… Screw’em this is a Thrasher blog anyway. All I have to say is come back in a week and if the team is gone off to Winnipeg I will eat some crow. But until then SCREW OFF!!! Also I don’t care if your being civil… I’m not until you troll’s are gone. Deal with it hoser’s! Oh and the Thrasher’s are not going anywhere. Well atleast not Loserpeg. Sorry, I’m sure you will come up with facts for us to read about. You dude’s need to get a life.
Pegger8
May 19th, 2011
7:13 pm
Just ignore the G52 comments, the dude needs therapy. Seriously . Greasy, overweight, unemployed, in his mom’s basement in his deserted little suburb. He has been on here the past few hours, and day after day. Get a life, its much to late for you to ever get a girlfriend. Better yet, go play some video games. That’’s what you do with the other 40% of your day most likely. Maybe post some more links to editorial pieces, seeing as you are so simple minded you can’t articulate your own thoughts and think for yourself. Pathetic. But flattering you are so jealous of Winnipeg and Canada in general you can’t get us off your mind!
Back to the topic, this “speculating on speculation” is getting old. My gut feel is that a sale to Winnipeg will happen, but the move won’t occur til 12-13. Definitely not the way I want Winnipeg to get a team back, but just an opinion based on all that’s been presented and “reading between the lines” what Bettman, Daly and owners/potential owners have said. This is of course very little, but the change in tone, etc.. is somewhat telling. And we wait……
Pegger8
May 19th, 2011
7:19 pm
Haha “The 27″ you ever hear the one about the “Pot” and “Kettle”? Look up “hypocrite” while you’re at it.
Joe "SLOW" Johnson
May 19th, 2011
7:23 pm
Good. D-Wad is in charge. This deal will be all JACKED-UP,
Jim
May 19th, 2011
7:23 pm
If they are still negotiating with one group committed to keeping the thrashers in Atlanta, can anyone take a guess as to what the sticking points are? If it’s purchase price and the local group is short funds, could die hard fans take a super minority interest in the team? With guys like glavine and Lille jon voicing support how many others would step up? I know personlly I would invest 25,000 and have my super minority interest be drawn down against future season ticket sales. If 1000 individuals or local companies kicked in 25k that equals 25 million or 23% of the stated purchase price.
G52P1M228
May 19th, 2011
7:27 pm
kudos to atlanta, at least you’re not as stupid as Glendale to use public money on a financial sinking titanic
G52PlM228
May 19th, 2011
7:28 pm
stop using my name
i’m a fat SOB from arizona
I have the unemployment check to prove it
steve rosen
May 19th, 2011
7:28 pm
Well it seems to be to late. I just read this. The team has been sold,and will be going to winnipeg for next season.
G52PlM228
May 19th, 2011
7:31 pm
I miss Winnipeg
great city !!
G52PlM228
May 19th, 2011
7:33 pm
Sorry Pegger8
I’ve changed my tune
I’m now in favor of Winnipeg getting a team