The Sharks have formed a new business unit to handle
sponsorships, marketing and tickets for the team and the
other sports properties it manages, according to Peter
Delevett of the SAN JOSE BUSINESS JOURNAL. Besides focusing
on the Sharks, the newly created division, Silicon Valley
Sports & Entertainment, will operate the Sybase Open tennis
tournament, the San Jose Ice Centre, the San Jose Rhinos pro
roller hockey team and the new Senior PGA Tour event to
begin in spring 2001. Silicon Valley is also "in
negotiations to handle sponsorships" for the MLS San Jose
Earthquakes, formerly the Clash. Sharks Exec VP/Business
Operations Malcolm Bordelon, who will head the division: "It
gives us more options. It's time for us to have a name that
reflects what our business interests are." Bordelon added
that the new "multi-property structure would help his staff
negotiate better pricing on media buys and keep sponsors in
the fold should they decide to switch their marketing
focus." Silicon Valley's staff of 20 employees, which
"comprise" the Sharks' sponsorship, marketing and ticket
staffs, will continue to work out of the Sharks' San Jose
Arena offices. Bordelon will "look to hire" four or five
"new staff members immediately and could make additional
hires in the future." Bordelon added that Sharks and San
Jose Arena Management President Greg Jamison will retain his
title in the new structure (S.J. BUSINESS JOURNAL, 2/14).
