Franchise Notes

Riley Says He Is Embarassed Over Heat's Payroll This Season

In Portland, Boaz Herzog reports MLS’ franchise entry fee now is "at least $40[M]," up from the $30M the league is charging new ownership groups in Seattle and Philadelphia. The league’s increased buy-in price is “putting pressure” on Triple-A PCL Portland Beavers and USL Portland Timbers Owner Merritt Paulson, who has expressed interest in bringing an MLS team to Portland, to “secure a deal before costs escalate further.” Paulson as early as June “plans to present his full proposal for MLS to city leaders.” Paulson: “We still think it would be a big positive here. But it quickly might not make sense if we’re not able to get something done” (Portland OREGONIAN, 4/30).

 FEELING THE HEAT: Heat President Pat Riley said he was "embarrassed" that the payroll for the '07-08 season "left his team paying an $8[M] luxury tax." Riley: "I really don't want that to happen again." Riley said of new Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, "We want to give him as many assets as we can. We also want to create a financial model that's going to be economically sane" (South Florida SUN-SENTINEL, 4/30).

BUCKS BOON: An NBA source said that "given the size of the Milwaukee market and public statements by Owner Herb Kohl that the Bucks lose money every year, they would qualify for more shared revenue" next season under the league's new revenue-sharing system. Both the Bucks and the league "would not comment on whether the new plan would benefit" the team (MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, 4/29).