DENVER: In Denver, Diddlebock & Monroe report
"speculation" that the Nuggets and the Avalanche "are being
shopped" by Ascent Entertainment Group. A report in Variety
said the sale of Ascent's Beacon Communication Corp. movie
production company "could be executed in a matter of
months," according to "Wall Street insiders." Variety notes
the Nuggets, Avalanche and Pepsi Center would be an
"attractive package" now that the NBA has a long-term labor
agreement with its players (DENVER POST, 1/9).
DALLAS: In Dallas, Marc Stein reported that "better-
than-expected interest" in season-ticket packages in recent
days has the Mavs "hopeful" they will be able to match last
year's season-ticket base of 8,600. The team said that only
about 12 season-ticket holders canceled their packages
during the lockout (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 1/10). Mavs
President & CEO Terdema Ussery, a finalist for the NPBA Exec
Dir position, which was offered to Billy Hunter, said, "I'm
very happy where I am. I've always been a management guy."
Hunter's daughter, Robyn, was hired by the team last season
to work in their marketing department (MORNING NEWS, 1/11).
UTAH: The Jazz held their first open house and clinic
for season-ticket holders Saturday at the Delta Center. The
team estimated that more than 7,500 of its 15,000 season-
ticket holders attended the invitation-only event. Jazz GM
Tim Howells said only 30 fans have canceled their season
tickets because of the lockout (SALT LAKE TRIBUNE, 1/10). A
poll of 423 adults in UT showed that 43% were in favor of
the NBA playing a shortened season -- and that 21% still
described themselves as avid Jazz fans, 41% moderate fans,
22% mild fans and 16% were not Jazz fans. The poll had a
margin of error of +/- 5% (DESERET NEWS, 1/10).
MIAMI: The Heat is "expected" to announce this week the
creation of new, lower-priced ticket packages. The team
will "likely" offer a six-game package for the first time,
with one having an average price below $9. The team has
sold 9,300 season tickets this season, including 65 after
the lockout was settled last Wednesday (MIAMI HERALD, 1/9).
SACRAMENTO: Members of the Kings' front-office staff
think team Owner Jim Thomas "soon will relinquish control of
the team" to the NM-based Maloof family. But Thomas said
that "there have been no alterations from his plan to own
the team at least through this season," adding, "At the end
of this year, I'll see where we are" (SACRAMENTO BEE, 1/10).
