Ginn Says Talks Off, For Now, On Magic Naming Rights Deal

By Josh Rosen, Assistant Managing Editor

Ginn Resorts is no longer in talks to purchase the naming rights to Orlando’s TD Waterhouse Centre, but the company remains interested should the opportunity present itself again, Ginn Sports Entertainment (GSE) President & COO Kent Atherton told THE DAILY yesterday at the Int’l Conference on Sport & Entertainment Business in Columbia, South Carolina. “It’s not a reflection of our interest in that marketing partnership,” Atherton said of the break in talks. “In fact, I remain interested in a marketing partnership with the Magic. Whether that includes having our name on the building remains to be seen.” He noted GSE’s withdrawal from talks was due to timing, as the Magic had hoped to unveil the building’s new name on opening night and were “trying to speed the clock” on a deal and on City Council approval. Magic COO Alex Martins said of naming rights talks with Ginn, "They have pulled back a bit, but we continue to talk to them about being in a partnership that includes the name of the building."

RACING: Atherton called GSE’s purchase of 80% of the MB2 Motorsports NASCAR team “an important part of our future.” He said Ginn does not plan to be the primary sponsor of the soon-to-be-renamed Ginn Racing cars. “We will have probably our name on the car, but we would prefer not to be the primary sponsor,” he said. Ginn is in discussions with prospective primary sponsors for the No. 14 car of Sterling Marlin and the new No. 13 car of Joe Nemecheck. The U.S. Army remains the primary sponsor of the No. 01 car, which will be driven in 20 races next season by Mark Martin. Atherton: “With a racecar, [Ginn Resorts President & CEO Bobby Ginn] feels that it’s a little uncomfortable being a team owner and also a car sponsor.” While the company will expand to three cars for the ’07 season, Atherton noted it could expand to four for ’08. He also said Ginn Resorts will have a motorcoach in the infield at races next year to entertain customers, prospective customers and members.

GOLF: Following the success of the LPGA Ginn Clubs & Resorts Open last spring, GSE has added a second LPGA event and two Champions Tour events. Atherton said there “has never been a better time to invest in the LPGA product.” The tour “is going through a transformation unlike any other in professional sports.” Atherton noted the LPGA has “young, attractive, talented players on one end of the spectrum,” along with HOFers who are still competitive and winning tournaments. Atherton said GSE would continue to add golf events “as long as we can get a date that’s compatible.”

MORE TO COME? Atherton also said he hopes to announce by the end of the year GSE’s entry into another sport for which the company will create a “marquee property.”