Franchise Notes

The Hornets formally announced Owner George Shinn has sold a 25% stake in the team to Louisiana business exec Gary Chouest (Hornets).  In New Orleans, John Reid notes Chouest is Shinn's first partner since he bought out Ray Wooldridge's 35% share in January ’05.  Shinn said that negotiations “continue with up to five other potential investors who could buy up to a 24[%] share of the team, with Shinn maintaining a majority share” (New Orleans TIMES-PICAYUNE, 7/25)....In L.A., Jerry Crowe reports both the Ducks and Kings have sold out their allotment of tickets for the September 29-30 season-opening games at London’s O2 Arena, and “as many as 1,000 Southland hockey fans are expected to make the trip” (L.A. TIMES, 7/25)....In Indianapolis, Mike Chappell reports for the second straight year, the Colts’ preseason and regular-season home games “basically are sold out.”  Single-game sales will “occur if visiting teams return a portion of their 500-ticket allotment."  The Colts’ season-ticket base is approximately 54,500 at the 55,500-seat RCA Dome, and Senior Exec VP Pete Ward said that the waiting list for season tickets when the team moves into its new Lucas Oil Stadium in ’08 has topped 23,000 (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 7/25).