S.A. Decides Future Talks With Pro Teams To Involve Leagues

San Antonio To Work With Leagues When Trying To Land Franchises

San Antonio Mayor Phil Hardberger and Bexar County (TX) Judge Nelson Wolff said that future negotiations with pro sports teams interested in moving to the city “should proceed only with the approval and involvement of NFL and MLB officials, not just team owners,” according to Tom Orsborn of the SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS. After hosting the Saints for three games during the ’05 season, the city explored the idea of having the team relocate permanently to San Antonio, but those talks were “limited to [Saints Owner] Tom Benson and other team officials because the league wanted the team to stay in New Orleans.” Wolff said, “If there is a team serious about moving, and the league tells us to move on it, we will then outline to the team what we are able to do (to entice them to move).” Orsborn notes Bexar County sports consultant Michael Sculley “has been authorized to arrange meetings within 60 days with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and [MLB Commissioner Bud] Selig to outline the new approach.” Sculley said, “If you don’t do it the proper way, it pits city against city, and that’s not good for San Antonio, and it’s not fair to San Antonio” (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS, 1/9).