Hawks’ sale is in peril — and that’s bad news we don’t need
Alex Meruelo insists he has the resources to buy and run the Hawks.
The NHL wasn’t happy with the Atlanta Spirit when they owned the Thrashers. The NBA never has been thrilled with them as Hawks’ owners, either. But the league and Atlanta may be stuck with them a little longer.
Our Tim Tucker is reporting that the proposed sale of the Hawks from the Atlanta Spirit to Los Angeles businessman Alex Meruelo has hit a “significant snag.” You generally can read that as financial.
Tucker noted last week that the league approved the sale of the Philadelphia 76ers but would offer no update on the Hawks’ sale. Now we know why.
Meruelo, whose purchase of the team was announced Aug. 7, subject to league approval, did not deny that the deal might be in trouble in a statement but he maintains that he has the resources to purchase and run the team: “I have more than ample resources to purchase and operate the Hawks in a first-class manner. I am committed to the purchase of the Atlanta Hawks. While I can’t comment on the details of the approval process, I have and will do everything I can to bring the process to a positive conclusion.”
Here’s my first thought: Not again.
Many of the Spirit’s problems stemmed from partners battling each other, usually in course, and those issues filtered down to the sports franchises. It significantly affected the perception of the franchises, hurting the product and even attendance. The Spirit is a damaged brand at this point and new ownership is needed.
Meruelo doesn’t bring any guarantees as to how good of an owner he would be, but he certainly would provide a needed new face in the executive suite.
In short, this would be bad news.
By Jeff Schultz
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165 comments Add your comment
phil
October 27th, 2011
1:47 pm
I could have cared less when the Thrashers moved…they were doomed here from the start.
As for the Hawks, I was once a huge fan and would be again if they’d let me be. With Smith on the team, and a few others, forget it.
J
October 27th, 2011
1:50 pm
Bill, the Bucks series was a wash … it only got entertaining b/c the Hawks came close to losing it. We also had coach Woodson here, which says a heck of a lot why we came close to losing that series. At least the tickets were cheap for it. I guess they knew the series was a crappy one. Unfortunately, Hawks attendance won’t change much, unless it’s a big game. I wouldn’t even consider Hawks v. Bucks a great game, even in the playoffs. Hopefully you’ll come back, but if selective, at least pick a big game to make it out to. Different atmosphere for sure. Alright, i’m done for the day. I think i vented enough …
alex
October 27th, 2011
1:55 pm
J, hawks going nowhere at least at you live time and i wish you long, as far as criminals, just check prison population in America and local news with 11 minute not interruption like war zone. no good. by the way lockout is almost over, i am not buying watching 20 mil. man and smooth under asg management, once more year of mediocrity
J
October 27th, 2011
1:55 pm
Obviously, Phil, i meant the NBA/Hawks. I know you’re just being a true jack@$$ though by wondering what i meant by that, so i won’t fault you for that. Great conversation, now should i tell you now that i’m a GA Tech fan?
J
October 27th, 2011
1:57 pm
alex, you lost me with that first fragmented sentence
t@t.co
October 27th, 2011
2:14 pm
Winnipeg wants to buy.
phil
October 27th, 2011
2:30 pm
No, J, I was serious.
The Hawks? I know a few things there too. Congrats, though, if your knowledge is superior to mine.
J
October 27th, 2011
2:38 pm
no congrats needed, nobody wins anything here ,,, besides, i’ve vented enough today.
alex
October 27th, 2011
2:41 pm
J, nothing i can do for you, sorry. only friendly avise – education, education, education and taking responsobilities. o… one more killing in atlanta today, bye.
5150 UOAD
October 27th, 2011
2:50 pm
Schultz WHERE are your picks? Are you going to post a Pic or 2 of the Porn Star with the new England Patriot?
schultz likes barbie dolls
October 30th, 2011
2:58 am
You what Racist here folks payin 6 dollars for a Hot dog are 10 dollars for Pizza there are coke for 7dollars….watchin fans scream owners did that players did this its simple math when tickets for a floor runs 350.oo that cheap compared if in Ny are La land boston is higher!Furthernore folks Hawks will never win a title untill they get some true forwards center and guards and a GM n coach..That a real coach not one made at Ford plant too….
falconfan58
October 30th, 2011
11:27 am
If you have found someone that wants to buy this team–let them. There may not be another sucker around for at least 100 years. And by the way, if the NBA does not play a game this year- no one will care. The NBA is the worse excuse for a sports league in the world. Nothing but a tax write-off for a bunch of wealthy owners.
buy me
October 30th, 2011
6:58 pm
maybe tom glavine will buy the team with some of his millionaire friends. He almost bought the thrashers.
Max Joe
October 30th, 2011
7:00 pm
Give Max Joe more money–he’s the future of the franchise!!!
ThugVille
October 30th, 2011
7:04 pm
move this team of thugs to another city. Atlanta has too many already.