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September 24, 2009
NetsDaily: Scanning the headlines
Here are some links to the action on NetsDaily covering the Prokhorov rumors and subsequent announcement of a deal with Ratner to take over the team:
Prokhorov Confirms Negotiations with Nets, Wants Control
On his blog, Mikhail Prokhorov confirms he is in serious negotiations with the Nets to finance Barclays Center and gain control of the team.
Ratner Says Critics Can Sue but Can’t Win
Bruce Ratner told a Brooklyn newspaper chain that while critics threaten more suits to stop Barclays Center, “It’s easy to sue, but for them, winning has been elusive.”
Nets Thinking Horizontal, Not Vertical
Rod Thorn and Kiki Vandeweghe said they are “not in the loop” on ownership talks, but do plan on being a player in next year’s free agency, as long as the team is attractive.
WSJ: So Far, NBA Has “No Problems” with Prokhorov Bid
The Wall Street Journal reports that while the NBA hasn’t begun a background check on Mikhail Prokhorov, “so far the league has no problems” with his plan to buy the Nets.
This pretty much sums up the reaction to a majority of the commenters on the NetsDaily blog:
THE RUSSIAN IS COMING! THE RUSSIAN IS COMING! I believe that G-D is sending this guy to save our team! This guy has everything we need. — Paul Erstein
Ratner, Prokhorov Set Deal — Russian Gets 80% of Nets, 45% of Arena
Bruce Ratner and Mikhail Prokhorov have announced a wide ranging deal that will result in the Russian billionaire controlling 80% of the Nets and 45% of Barclays Center.
Rod Thorn is in the last year of his contract, which reportedly pays him $5 million. Lawrence Frank is in the last year of his contract, which reportedly pays him $4 million. With Mikhail Prokhorov hinting he’d like to bring in Russian (or maybe European) help, are they “toast” as Tom Ziller of Fan House suggests? Nets insiders say a management shakeup might have happened under ANY new ownership.
What’s going to be the effect of having the NBA’s richest (or second richest) owner calling the shots…and spending the cash? Tom Ziller of FanHouse thinks a good young core, a ton of cap space and a very rich owner could turn the Nets into a contender fast: “Eastern powers ought to be watching behind them, because it shouldn’t be take long for the New Nets to be breathing down their backs.” And beyond wins and losses, the “New Nets” are likely to become a bigger global…and local brand.
Posted by lumi at September 24, 2009 6:37 AM