Franchise Notes

GARDEN PARTY? NHL Kings/Staples Center President Tim Leiweke, on a report he is a candidate to replace MSG President Dave Checketts: "The fact is, I have not reached out to them and they have not reached out to me." Leiweke adds, "I'm very happy doing what I'm doing, and working for Phil Anschutz." But Leiweke "did not rule out interest" in the position and said, "I don't speculate about what could or could not be. I grew up in this business and the Garden to me is the mecca" (Richard Sandomir, N.Y. TIMES, 5/25).

CUBAN SAYS NBA OFF THE MARK: Mavericks Owner Mark Cuban, on the Grizzlies possibly relocating to Memphis: "Voting against it would be a wasted vote, to be honest. And I think they're getting screwed again because the NBA hasn't made up their mind so [Grizzlies Owner Michael Heisley] can't start selling tickets. I'm sure Heisley's kicking himself for even buying the team now. It's a shame for the people of Vancouver, but it's typical of the NBA. It's a bureaucracy that doesn't know how to get out of its own way" (VANCOUVER SUN, 5/25).

NOTES: In Newark, Matthew Futterman examines the Devils' marketing strategy and cites sources as saying that the Devils spend about $500,000 on advertising, charitable contributions and promotions each year. Devils GM Lou Lamoriello "doesn't like to put too many off-ice demands on his players because he wants them to focus on playing hockey." Futterman asked Steiner Sports Marketing President Brandon Steiner, Millsport President David Salomon, Nelligan Sports Marketing Chair T.J. Nelligan and 16W Marketing Principal Frank Vuono how they would market the franchise (Newark STAR-LEDGER, 5/25)....In Chicago, Ed Sherman: "Among the casualties of the White Sox's wretched start is their now extremely off-the-mark slogan for the season: 'It's time.'" The White Sox have "decided to go in a different direction" with their marketing campaign (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 5/25)....In Richmond, Bob Lipper reports the Falcons have sold about 1,200 new season-ticket packages since drafting QB Michael Vick last month (TIMES-DISPATCH, 5/25).