Bettman Optimistic About Predators Sale To Local Group

Bettman Feels Deal To Keep Predators In Nashville Is Imminent

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman indicated that the Predators are “not in danger of being sold and relocated, and ... a new deal to keep the team in Nashville appears imminent,” according to Mark Zwolinski of the TORONTO STAR. A report said that the local bid for the team led by 36 Venture Capital CEO David Freeman was in jeopardy after the city rejected changes to the team's Sommet Center lease. But Bettman said, “Most likely the franchise is remaining with the local group. They are in serious negotiations now … with what might be done to restructure the lease.” The group has an agreement to negotiate exclusively with Owner Craig Leipold until October 31. Reports this week also suggest that K.C. is "now the leading city to land the Predators if the franchise is moved.” RIM co-CEO Jim Balsillie, whose deal for the Predators fell through earlier this year, is “said to have moved on to target other NHL franchises” (TORONTO STAR, 10/4). 

LEASE NEGOTIATIONS: In Nashville, Michael Cass reports the lease deal being negotiated between the local group and the city calls for taxpayers to “fund $7[M] in improvements such as new ‘Fun Zones’ at Sommet Center.” The capital projects would be in addition to $4.2M in tax money and seat fees per year that would be used for the “operations of the hockey team.” The group said that the city would “get the money back over time because of increased activity at Sommet Center and downtown.” Freeman yesterday told the Metro Sports Authority that the $7M is a "'ballpark' estimate for the proposed changes." The figure includes a 15% “contingency” added by the city (Nashville TENNESSEAN, 10/4).