"The future of the NBA season still is up in the air, but
many Orlando Magic sponsors are banking on the team, buying
commercial time and stadium signs for what they hope will be the
timely tip-off this fall," according to Gene Yasuda of the
ORLANDO SENTINEL. So far, NBA labor strife "hasn't scared
sponsors away from buying advertising space with the Magic or
Sunshine Network, which broadcasts the team's home games." Tom
Minella, FL Marketing Manager for Pizza Hut: "The NBA, the Magic
in particular, have a certain halo effect. I know how valued the
Magic are here in town, and [David] Stern is smart enough to
avoid the mistakes that hurt baseball and hockey. Any decision
we make will have nothing to do with the labor dispute."
Sunshine GM Jim Liberatore: "I haven't heard anyone say, 'We're
not going to sign unless this is completely resolved.' The Magic
are on the threshold of having an even better year than last
year." Magic Exec VP of Business Ops Jack Swope: "Certainly,
it's been part of the conversation, but we're not losing
(sponsorship) sales because of it. We're on pace to reach our
target" (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 8/13).
MAVS TIX SELLING WELL: Mavs season ticket sales are
continuing "at their fastest pace" since '87-88 (Richie Witt,
FORT WORTH STAR TELEGRAM, 8/13).
