If the Panthers move to Nashville, Owner Wayne Huizenga says
he would "likely" sell the team, according to the Nashville
TENNESSEAN. Huizenga said he has "no desire" to own a franchise
outside of South FL, adding, "Draw your own conclusions from
that." NHL sources tell the TENNESSEAN a recent proposal from
the city of Sunrise in Broward County may be the last chance to
keep the team in South FL. Officials from Huizenga Holdings met
with Sunrise officials Thursday, but according to NHL
Commissioner Gary Bettman, "nothing breaking or earth-shattering
came out of it." Bettman did notify officials from the team and
interested localities he wants to know plans by early January.
The next NHL Board of Governors meeting will be January 19 in
Boston at the All-Star Game (Nashville TENNESSEAN, 12/16).
NOMINATION: MIAMI HERALD columnist Linda Robertson suggests
financier Jay Pritzker, a board member and major stockholder of
Royal Caribbean Cruise Ltd., should buy the Panthers, and then he
and Heat Owner (and Carnival Cruise Lines CEO and Chair) Micky
Arison could get together and build a new arena for both teams
(MIAMI HERALD, 12/15).
