“The Balkan” is Detroit venture capitalist JB Smith
John Kincade, co-host of the Buck and Kincade Show on the flagship station of the Thrashers 680 The Fan, has finally let the cat out of the bag. The person he has been telling us about who is interested in buying the Thrashers, NBA Hawks and Philips Arena…the person he has referred to as “The Balkan” is non other than Detroit venture capitalist J.B. Smith. Smith is formerly of Equity11, “an independent, private equity firm focused on investment of growth capital and business expertise into scaleable business models” per their website.
Kincade broke this via his twitter account saying, “J.B. Smith has been attempting to put together a deal to purchase the Thrashers, Hawks and Philips Arena since early March” and “J.B. Smith will now get the full ‘media treatment’ and will make his desire to own all 3 entities public knowledge”.
I spoke with Kincade earlier today and asked him about his involvement with J.B. Smith and getting him together with the Atlanta Spirit, LLC
“I was asked to introduce J.B. Smith to the AS, LLC”, he replied. “When I did so, I then got out of the way”.
Kincade also told me that he is only interested in seeing that the Thrashers remain in Atlanta and simply wanted to do whatever he could to make sure that happens.
“I’m not a reporter, but I wanted to get the parties together”.
Last winter Smith was interested in investing in the Pittsburgh Steelers of the NFL.
Stick with the AJC, I’m sure there will be a lot more to this story coming from beat writer Chris Vivlamore.
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273 comments Add your comment
Atlanta Flames Fan
May 17th, 2011
7:26 pm
The Hawks cannot be moved from Atlanta. They are tied to Philips arena until the bonds are paid off.
GSUEagle
May 17th, 2011
7:39 pm
Where is Bettman?
Joe Friday
May 17th, 2011
7:46 pm
So the Balkan is balkin’ at providing his financials? And they already have an exclusivity agreement for the Hawks and Philips with someone else? My gut always told me not to put any credence in Kincade . . .
Alan R.
May 17th, 2011
7:55 pm
True North, you know, those guys who want to rob us of our team? Yeah. Apparently, they’re seeking debt relief from the Manitoba government.
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/True-North-seeking-debt-help-from-govt-in-NHL-bid-122067534.html
Sage of Bluesland
May 17th, 2011
7:57 pm
“I’ve never been a proponent of throwing Waddell under the bus over the last eleven-12 years, but if the Thrashers find new ownership, I think it would be a good time to part ways with Don. Sort of a “Thanks for all you’ve done, (or, not done) but we’re gonna start with a clean slate. Thanks!”
I’ve read some ridiculous things on this blog over the years, but this might take the cake. I read plenty of this type of tripe early on–but apparently Rip Van Winkle does exist and his wool has grown over his sheeplike eyes.
Ya’ think, Einstein?
My faith in humanity takes a toll when reading the likes of GaVasheep and Alanlamb…and now this.
(It would actually be funny if it weren’t so pathetic.)
glovesave29
May 17th, 2011
8:06 pm
Remember where Bettman worked prior to his current gig for the NHL – he was a senior VP with the NBA. I am sure they are in conversations should this in fact be a ploy by the ASG. This can also show bad faith by the ASG clowns, another chance for the league to intervine.
Think of the last person who tried to subvert the rules…let’s ask Jim Balsille about that Coyotes purchase he tried a few years back. Bettman came out swinging.
Sage of Bluesland
May 17th, 2011
8:13 pm
Dang spam filter….I still can’t believe what I just read from one of the sheep. It goes:
“…I’ve never been a proponent of throwing Waddell under the bus over the last eleven-12 years, but if the Thrashers find new ownership, I think it would be a good time to part ways with Don. Sort of a “Thanks for all you’ve done, (or, not done) but we’re gonna start with a clean slate. Thanks!…”
This rivals some of GaVasheep and Alanlamb’s best (worst) blustering….and is definitely in the neighborhood of one of Sara’s spweadsheets…
As others have pointed out, anything Kincade is automatically questionable. This idiot actually blames the fans for the current mess….of course, he’s too busy fighting for the scraps from ownership/management’s table to tell the TRUTH….What a joke; I’ve stopped subsidizing his incompetence, as well…
Alan R.
May 17th, 2011
8:23 pm
Oh look, another useless post from Knave of Bwuewand.
Puck Like A Porn Star
May 17th, 2011
8:34 pm
Now that we know who at least some of the players are, I wonder how long before a deal is finalized, or at least brought before the commissioners and BOGs? Was JB Smith’s group the one that was going to completely redevelop the area around Philips? Greenline + Beltline + revamped MARTA station at GWCC/Philips + new Hawks/Thrashers/Philips ownership = new age for Atlanta.
Don’t screw this up.
Matt from MN
May 17th, 2011
8:47 pm
Can we just BAN that idiot “SOB”?
Sheperd Smith
May 17th, 2011
8:49 pm
You sheep are blasting C-VIV because you can’t handle the truth. Should C-VIV hug you and tell you all will be fine? Then when the mess moves to Peg you’d blast him for not knowing what was happening. So all you sheep flock down to select your seats……then good luck in getting your money back in a timely manner.
Buzzeng
May 17th, 2011
8:53 pm
J.B. Smith seems to me to be to the Thrashers what Glen Ford was to the Flames… a potential Hail Mary buyer that jumped in showing interest, got a lot of attention and love, then faded out.
B. Thenet
May 17th, 2011
8:54 pm
Why on earth do we keep have to get updated information about this from this papers Thrashers beat reporter via Winnipeg sports talk stations?
KLS1
May 17th, 2011
8:54 pm
At least someone is interested…now lets ramp it up!
Twisted Wrister
May 17th, 2011
8:57 pm
Can we just BAN that idiot Waddell and the ASG.
Sharon
May 17th, 2011
9:02 pm
This J.B. Smith scenario sounds like total bullsh*t.
If I’m wrong, I’ll eat crow, but Kincade comes across as foolish to me.
Atlanta Flames Fan
May 17th, 2011
9:25 pm
Agree Sharon.
Look at Equity11.com. It looks pretty lame.
Tim
May 17th, 2011
9:29 pm
Are you guys retarded?
A group has exclusivity to purchase the Hawks and Arena, Thrashers are NOT part of that package. It has been confirmed.
This team is going to Winnipeg in days.
Tim
May 17th, 2011
9:31 pm
Kincade claims this Smith wants all 3? Well, 2 are already confirmed off the table as reported. Do you fail to realize that?
No one is going to purchase the Thrashers to stay in Atlanta without owning the Arena, no revenue, paying rent… give your head a shake… It’s over.
Tim
May 17th, 2011
9:32 pm
Keep believing Kincade and Clemons, these two clowns are going to be eating crow for lying to us.
Thrashers27
May 17th, 2011
9:43 pm
Sage,
You’ve just proven that you’re just one of those people who like to compain, even if someone agrees with you.
If the team were to win the cup with a roster full of All Star players, on a league minimum budget, you’d still find something to whine about, so go bWow a goat.
…and you’re dismissed. Thanks for comin’ out though.
Zombie Steve
May 17th, 2011
9:45 pm
I think Kincade is throwing a Hail Mary pass because we simply have nothing to lose at this point; Canadian jackels have encircled our Thrashers and are about to feast.
Alan R.
May 17th, 2011
9:45 pm
If you think it’s BS, you can go tell him yourself. JB Smith will likely be in attendance at the select-a-seat event on Saturday.
Zombie Steve
May 17th, 2011
9:52 pm
I’m wondering what SOB is going to do when there are no more Thrashers forums for him to perpetually pat himself on the back concerning his campaign against D-Wad and his misguided boycott against our team.
EA
May 17th, 2011
9:54 pm
Chris Thorburn and Eric Boulton will be making 2 separate appearances each at Brandsmart USA in May and June per Thrashers website. Interesting. Marketing the players. Select a seat is still Saturday. Yet to be cancelled. Whatever.
hockeygoon79
May 17th, 2011
10:32 pm
I don’t think this JB Smith is our knight in shining armor. What a day this has been and I bet the rest of this week is going to be a roller coaster ride.
coldsoul
May 17th, 2011
10:36 pm
A buyer who refuses to show his credentials over months pretended to be interested in the Steelers but never even negotiated. I love the comments on how Viv should not have commented that there was no interested buyer just based on the buyer not being suitable. Tell you what I will offer $5,000 grand to buy Atlanta- you guys need a reality check. Not saying a white knight can’t happen but it wont be J.B. Smith and it looks less and less likely. This is not Gary’s fault either he can’t force a sale for less than the value of the franchise otherwise I expect a call on my $5,000 offer. The ownership group already got a $20 mill offer- guess what it didn’t happen- you guys should write Gary. This is great publicity for J.B. and Kin who you guys is a respected journalist despite not tweeting about J.B. refusing to show his credentials, can’t say I blame him not nearly as exciting as the Balkan and nobody wants to hear the truth. So sad. The “Balkan” had months why not come forward until an exclusivity contract has already been signed? You need to ask yourself these sort of questions before getting all worked up.
goose
May 17th, 2011
10:51 pm
coldsoul- well Viv reported on Rollins as a bogus buyer why not do the same for Smith if that is the case maybe he could actually report something to us instead of running to Winnipeg when ever he gets a development.
JT
May 17th, 2011
11:38 pm
I think Johnny K has some credibility here. Nothing against Chris V. We need this team to stick around. Compare the Thrash to the other pro teams here in the ATL. It’s not like the other 3 have been bringing home hardware on a regular basis. Uh, once! Let’s Stay Thrashers…
litz
May 17th, 2011
11:45 pm
Take this into consideration, too, re: J.B. Smith …
Jay Clemons has apparently *quit* SI, to go work for “Reign Sports” (the presumed operating company for a Smith purchase of the ASG assets) …
There are people who’d *kill* for a job at Sports Illustrated … this guy just quit.
People don’t do things like that unless they know something …
Wayne stuck in AL
May 17th, 2011
11:58 pm
In a few years, J.B. Smith will be sharing a jail cell with Boots Del Biaggio…
LAC
May 18th, 2011
12:14 am
Well like I have said over and over again, this chrisV THING, is the asg personal BITCHBOY !
he does what levenson/waddell/Stupid Liar snydel/Dumb Boy gearon tell him to say. He is just as big a LIAR as the asg, because he is part of asg, Hook, Line & Sinker. He is ALWAYS asking
creampuff questions of waddell and these owners, like interviews after a Ladies football game played in underware… HUM????
He is now 100% discredited and NOBODY should believe a word he says and AJC, needs to pull him OFF Hockey coverage ASAP, he is simply, Nothing Happening Street THASH, Just like his bosses at asg !
Don’t give me any of this dude crap Thing, or let’s meet and settle it !
LAC
May 18th, 2011
12:17 am
GO SAGE GO, ALWAYS TELLING IT LIKE IT, REALLY IS !!!!!!! I BELIEVE YOU 100% !!!!!!!!!!
thrasherdawg
May 18th, 2011
12:19 am
Let me get this straight:
Bonds were sold for Phillips Arena with the condition that the Hawks could not leave. So in essence, bonds were in place to insure that the Hawks could never leave Atlanta and now our Mayor will not even fight to keep the Thrashers here. WOW! I think everyone can figure out what is really going on here.
Even if they (the Hawks) could, the city would never allow the Hawks to leave.
Thrashy Thrashy
May 18th, 2011
12:32 am
Any fool can see how poorly this team has been run. Anyone with a brain can see that fans who went to games didn’t make a damn bit of difference in what the ownership did. The incompetence wasn’t subsidized. Look at the attendance, for Christ’s sake. It’s been terrible for years. These buffoons, preceded by Time Warner, never did a damn thing to make this organization into anything resembling a competent business.
That being said, this team, no matter how flawed and inept it may be, is our NHL team. This is all we have. I am not from Detroit or Chicago or New York or Boston or Philly or any other city. If the Thrashers leave, I am not going to go slinking back to my “first team” like so many Thrasher fans will. I will have no team. I’ll just have to revert to how I used to watch hockey: playoffs only. I hate that, but having a dog in the hunt makes the game that much more relevant to me.
Stan Drulia
May 18th, 2011
8:45 am
I like to entertain myself by trying to figure out who is more yelling-at-the-wall crazy… LAC or Sage. It’s a very close race right now. It’s really cute how LAC sits at Sage’s feet like a little puppy too. It just goes to show – there’s someone out there for everybody! Rawhide – no matter what happens – you will alway know that you brought these two lovebirds together… true love.
Puck Like A Porn Star
May 18th, 2011
9:00 am
Whoever has Glavine on their side wins this fight. If a deal gets done to keep the Icebirds in Atlanta, I’ll get season tix on Saturday, even though I really can’t afford the ones I want…
Fan from Carolina
May 18th, 2011
9:12 am
Good game last night. Enjoy hockey everyone and don’t let this stuff get you so down that you can’t enjoy it. It is out of everyone’s hands but the money people. Don’t waste an exciting solid Stanley Cup post-season.
Tom Lysiak
May 18th, 2011
9:34 am
So, IF this deal works out for the Atlanta Scumbag Group, this is what we will have. They will have a new majority owner of the Hawks and the arena rights. They can buy in as minority partners, keeping their fantasy team ownership wet dream alive. They sell the Thrashers to the highest bidder, making them even more money. They watch the Thrash leave and get more open dates for the arena, which they also want. The hockey fans are left out in the cold, as we have been the whole time. As stated earlier, it’s too bad they could not have put such effort and planning into the Thrashers all these years.
I’m sure they would protest that this is “just business, not personal”. The failed owners who will continue to live in this town will realize something else. For Thrasher fans, this is nothing but personal.
JSR
May 18th, 2011
9:50 am
This is what the Comiss said the other day:
If Daly’s comments did not allay the fears of Thrashers’ fans, then Bettman’s later in the evening to ESPN.com might have given them more comfort, for the moment.
“Whatever is being written [about Atlanta] is being made up,” he said.
Nonetheless, the situation remains fluid and uncertain. Neither Bettman nor Daly would comment as to whether Thrashers’ ownership has had negotiations with True North.
On that matter, Thrashers ownership also has been silent.
Atlanta Spirit Sucks
May 18th, 2011
9:53 am
They should be renamed the Anal Sabotage Group
litz
May 18th, 2011
9:59 am
Puck – it’s unlikely a deal will be struck by Sat, but let’s see what the news brings …
Still, tendering an offer on a STH package IS a means of showing support. It will be interesting to see how sales are this Saturday ….
litz
May 18th, 2011
10:10 am
Per this BWA article : http://www.birdwatchersanonymous.com/2011/5/17/2175562/is-this-the-end-of-the-thrashers#storyjump
Steve Stotland is also in the mix (he’s already tried to buy both the Canadiens – outbid – and Coyotes – walked away from the legal), and would seem to be a legit contender if so …
Puck Like A Porn Star
May 18th, 2011
10:17 am
Wonder who Glavine is working with on this?
Anyone gone to a Select-A-Seat event before? Is there a town hall meeting of any kind, or just thousands of sales staff? Something tells me the current owners won’t dare set foot in there on Saturday.
Now we just need a huge UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT sign to hang outside (soon-to-be-renamed) Philips Arena, and an ASG banner to retire (a la the Ted Turner banner with the old Hawks logo), except this one will be torched with the flamethrower as it’s raised to the rafters! Anyone that saw the 2006-2007 banner raising knows what I mean.
ben
May 18th, 2011
10:20 am
some one isn’t telling the truth or is being lied too. I honestly feel a lawsuit in Glendale or threat thereof has the whole situation in limbo. I also feel Betman et al will do what’s best for the league’s overall exposure in mass media. If they think it would get more media exposure in Winnipeg, I guess they have that set of data to back that up. if the thrashers leave there will be hockey in Phillips eventually. I wouldn’t be shocked if TNSE and ASG worked out a franchise swap of some sort. Here’s the $64,000 question are the moose for sale?
Hockey Biltong
May 18th, 2011
10:41 am
An apt quote from the BWA column. “Porn stars haven’t been screwed as much as Atlanta hockey fans”. I’m sure feeling that now….
Hoof Arted
May 18th, 2011
10:46 am
Hockey Biltong, yeah we all know the feeling. What’s worse is we didn’t even get dinner bought for us and we damn sure aren’t expecting any flowers the next day.
da' boomer
May 18th, 2011
10:49 am
I received this response to an e-mail I sent to Bettman & Daly from NHL Public Relations this morning:
Dear Andy, Thank you for your e-mail. Commissioner Bettman sends his appreciation foryour interest in the NHL and your passion for the Thrashers. As a League, we take all franchise matters very seriously because weunderstand the emotional and financial investments you make in the game andin our franchises. We make all reasonable and best efforts to maintainfranchises in their current locations, and we have approached theThrashers’ situation no differently from that of any other franchise. Thedifference between the matter in Atlanta and the matter in Phoenix is thatthe Coyotes were thrown into an improper bankruptcy proceeding that turnedour “behind the scenes” efforts into very public ones. Please don’t mistake our having worked behind the scenes in this case tomean that we didn’t work as much or as hard on the Thrashers’ behalf. Wehave been working with the Thrashers’ ownership for some time in quest of asolution to their issues, and we continue to work with them because of itsimportance to us and to you. Again, we value your support of the Thrashers and the NHL. Thank you somuch for taking the time to write. Sincerely, National Hockey League Public Relations
Thomas Magnum
May 18th, 2011
10:51 am
Everyone should go listen to this interview with former Atlanta Flame Dan Bouchard.
http://www.tsn.ca/window/podcastcentre.aspx?xmlURL=http://www2.tsn.ca/podcasts/tsnradiopodcast.xml&mp3URL=http://podcast.tsn.ca/tsnradio/bouchard_051611.mp3
glovesave29
May 18th, 2011
10:52 am
Potential owner for Philips / Hawks might not like the loss of 41 home dates a year.
TNSE asking for financial help from the Manitoba gov’t has to raise a few eyebrows at the NHL offices.
Not saying things look good right now, but there are a few rays of hope out there.
Anyone else heard this rumor that Smith is going to be at the Thrashers event on Saturday? What’s the source of this? Has it been confirmed? Will the ASG even ALLOW this? It certainly would be showing them up!