The Clippers have agreed to a six-year lease to play in
the downtown Staples Center when it opens in '99, according
to Steve Springer of the L.A. TIMES. The deal "is expected"
to be announced today, along with news that Rupert Murdoch's
Fox Group has purchased an interest in the Staples Center
and "an option that would eventually give it a stake in the
Lakers." The Fox Group would gain 40% of the arena "and a
similar percentage" of the NHL Kings' option to buy 25% of
the Lakers, translating into a 10% ownership of the Lakers.
Springer adds that while the NBA must approve a Clippers
move, that "is not expected to be a problem," although
league exes "have long made it known that they prefer" the
Clippers move to The Pond at Arrowhead (L.A. TIMES, 4/17).
CLIPP NOTES: At the Staples Center, the Clippers will
pay rent to the Kings/arena owners, Philip Anschutz and
Edward Roski, but will "receive a percentage of the luxury-
box revenue, parking and concessions for their games only."
The deal "includes an escape clause after three years." The
Staples Center will now be the only arena "ever to house"
three pro teams, but Springer writes the Clippers' "status
is clearly spelled out as being that of the third occupant,"
with the Kings and Lakers receiving first priority. Early
scheduling has the Kings playing Thursdays and Saturdays,
the Lakers playing Fridays and Sundays with the Clippers
getting "whatever is left" (L.A. TIMES, 4/17). Sports
Management Consultant David Carter said the Clippers could
go to matinee starts on weekends (O.C. REGISTER, 4/17). In
L.A., Bill Plaschke calls the move "good for the city, and
perhaps great for the Clippers" (L.A. TIMES, 4/17).
HOW THE WEST WAS WON? Springer adds that the move by
Clippers Owner Donald Sterling makes Walt Disney Co. "the
biggest loser." They had hoped to bring the Clippers to
Anaheim or buy the team in "part or outright." Disney saw
the Clippers as a "key to building" ESPN West to compete
with Fox Sports West. Disney was hoping to gain the
Clippers' TV rights after the team's deal with FSW expired
in three years. Sources say that Disney's ESPN West "could
be entirely derailed if the Staples move is tied to renewal"
of the Clippers' cable deal with Fox (L.A. TIMES, 4/17).
