AFL Dragons Will Remain On Long Island After Sale By Wang

The AFL N.Y. Dragons, who are in the process of being sold by Owner Charles Wang to a N.Y.-based investment group headed by pharmaceutical exec Steven Silva, will "continue to be based at Nassau Coliseum," according to John Jeansonne of NEWSDAY. The team is "expected to retain its coaching staff and the bulk of its roster," but it will "become an operation separate from the Islanders." The Islanders, which Wang also owns, and the Dragons had "shared marketing, ticket sales and public relations personnel." Wang, who purchased the AFL Iowa Barnstormers and moved them to Long Island in '00, decided to sell the team to "concentrate on the Islanders and on next summer's anticipated groundbreaking for a Coliseum complex" (NEWSDAY, 7/10). In N.Y., Joshua Robinson notes the deal is expected to be announced at the July 27 Arena Bowl in New Orleans. Silva said that he "would not divulge the sale price until the deal is completed." The Dragons this season averaged 9,072 fans per game, ranking 16th out of 17 AFL teams, and the attendance has "declined steadily from an average of 11,922 in 2005." Silva is planning an "ambitious marketing effort with a new team logo and new colors" (N.Y. TIMES, 7/10).