[Houston Chronicle] Comets for sale

[rikesh316]

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/4266677.html

By JONATHAN FEIGEN
Copyright 2005 Houston Chronicle

Rockets owner Leslie Alexander has put the WNBA Comets, champions of the league's first four seasons, on the market, a move that could determine the future of the franchise in Houston.

Rockets vice president Tad Brown said Alexander wants his concentrate his efforts and the organization's on the Rockets, citing the move of many WNBA franchises away from their original affiliation with NBA teams.

"We've been really looking at it from the standpoint of what will work best," Brown said. "The WNBA is going into independent ownership now, in Chicago, Washington, Charlotte, really focusing on the women's team. We're looking at all the options to determine the best way to go forward.

"If we can structure the right deal, he will certainly sell the team."

Brown did not say what the value of the franchise would be, though several teams have sold for roughly $10 million.

"There are different numbers bandied about," Brown said. "We're looking for the right opportunity."

When asked if Alexander would fold the franchise if it is not sold, Brown did not rule it out, but did not say that disbanding has been considered.

"We're looking at all those things now," Brown said. "There is no time frame. We'll make that decision down the road."

Alexander, recently listed among Fortune Magazine's 400 wealthiest Americans, is the only owner the Comets have had. Brown said that Alexander plans to remain the Rockets owner.

Alexander was not available for comment.

"Leslie Alexander is not interested in selling any interest or equity in the Rockets," Brown said. "He is going to be owner of the Rockets for a long, long time.

"One of the reasons for the decision is to focus all the energies on the Rockets. This is absolutely to focus all energies of the entire organization on the Rockets franchise."

jonathan.feigen@chron.com

[geeimsobored]

I'm surprised this never came sooner. I never saw how that franchise was even close to profitable.

And the apathy that will probably show up on this thread is evidence enough as to why this franchise just couldn't work.

[SamFisher]

He should put them on eBay. Hopefully Les takes PayPal.

[Faos]

Maybe Mattress Mac will step in.

[WhoMikeJames]

Give it to Green Bay. You never know...

[Saint Louis]

The WNBA still exists?

[Saint Louis]

It is like deja vu all over again.

[JuLiO-R-]

Sign and trade for an NHL franchise.

[couple of d's]

ill buy them for two dollars.

[steddinotayto]

Brown did not say what the value of the franchise would be, though several teams have sold for roughly $10 million.



Kinda sad and embarrassing how a Four Time WNBA championship team can be bought on an All-Star NBA player annual salary.

[rhino17]

Sign and trade for an NHL franchise.


That sounds good

[Bobblehead]

Are the Comets even worth anything? Is the WNBA worth anything?

[CBrownFanClub]

saveourcomets.com

[redgoose]

ill buy them for two dollars.

Ya, but think how much money you'll lose in the long run. :(

[Jebus]

He should put them on eBay. Hopefully Les takes PayPal.

I can tell you from recent experience that all he'll get is somebody offering him $1500 to sell outside of eBay and asking if he can ship the team to Nigeria.

[Bobblehead]

I can tell you from recent experience that all he'll get is somebody offering him $1500 to sell outside of eBay and asking if he can ship the team to Nigeria.

I doubt it....Nigerians don't like to be bored!!!

[Achilleus]

saveourcomets.com

meh.org

[Van Gundier]

Is there a big female Chinese center to be drafted?

Or else, a switch to Aussie style spandex uniform is worth a try.

[Saint Louis]

Is there a big female Chinese center to be drafted?

Or else, a switch to Aussie style spandex uniform is worth a try.

Lace spandex?

[AstroRocket]

Oh well. As Rockets fans, I don't see how we could really be opposed to this. It was embarassing having the Comets in the forum title anyway.

[msn]

Can we just disband them and pretend it never happened?

[StupidMoniker]

I thought Stern forced the NBA teams to subsidize the WNBA teams. If they were free to sell them off, why would anyone hold on to one of those money sinks.

[Rocket River]

I think I got Three fiddy! - Chef's Dad

Rocket RIver

[rhino17]

How many people actually go to comets games? I have only been once when i was little cause I was invited by a friend to the first ever finals. Do they even sell season tickets or does anyone even own them?

[Dave2000]

You'd be surprised, its pretty crowded especially on a Friday or weekend game. I only went to the games when I got tixs from work when I used to work for EV1 since they were hardcore sponsers. I thought it was entertainning, if you love the game enough, you'd appreciate watching them. The last one I went was 2005 vs. the Sparks where Swoopes and Leslie were about to go at it, it was quite funny actually.

[SirCharlesFan]

<object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/hQs-3qOy9Gk"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/hQs-3qOy9Gk" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>

[ubigred]

the thread was too funny....comets should just market to gay guys and little girls.

[JuLiO-R-]

I heard Mattress Mack wants to buy the franchise. So does the Hilton furniture guy, and That's a Fact Jack!

[Smokey]

I don't want to know how SCF found that video.

[StupidMoniker]

I don't want to know how SCF found that video.
I'm guessing a youtube search for totally wicked dancer at Comets game.

[Kam]

that guy is well known on the internet for his faaaaaaabulous dancing skills.

[SamFisher]

I heard Mattress Mack wants to buy the franchise. So does the Hilton furniture guy, and That's a Fact Jack!

Wait till they see their financial statements...

[Mr. Brightside]

I don't want to know how SCF found that video.

This is the world famous Comet boy. He has really sweet moves.

[rrj_gamz]

I'm not sure the value of the franchise, but I'm assuming its losing money...Championships or not, its business...Franchises survive on TV contracts alone...The ticket sales, etc. only pay a portion of the bills...

Someone may step in, but if you invest, you hope to make a profit, not feel good about something...

[ryan17wagner]

Wait, wait ,wait....there's a WNBA league!? And we have a team!? Well you learn something new everyday.

[bplld]

Wait, wait ,wait....there's a WNBA league!? And we have a team!? Well you learn something new everyday.

No, its just an urban legend.

God, you guys fall for everything.

[Xerobull]

Austin has a large chunk of their key demographic. And they would keep their fans here.

[A-Train]

http://www.wnba.com/media/comets/haley.jpg

Unfortunately, Alexander's insistence that Haley be included in the deal is the one thing preventing him from selling...

[tigermission1]

How many people actually go to comets games?

I do -- or did -- whenever I feel like having a quick lunch and happen to be nearby.

But no, I never watched the game, I just like hanging out in the club section at the TC.

[Deckard]

http://www.wnba.com/media/comets/haley.jpg

Unfortunately, Alexander's insistence that Haley be included in the deal is the one thing preventing him from selling...
What, in god's name, is that?? :eek:

[BenignDMD]

I think a WNBA team will do excellent in San Francisco :cool:

[tested911]

I think a WNBA team will do excellent in San Francisco :cool:


Bingo!!! Thats that sorta Family ( Quote on un Quote ) Atmosphere the WNBA is looking for :)

[WhoMikeJames]

PLEASE GET US NHL TEAM