Franchise Notes

Ricketts Family Denies Cubs Deal Has Hit A Snag

CNBC yesterday reported that the "key issues of dispute" between Tribune Co. and prospective Cubs owners the Ricketts family are the "final purchase price and details about broadcasting contracts." However, Ricketts family spokesperson Dennis Culloton said reports of the deal hitting a snag are "untrue and the negotiations have been moving along very positively." A source said that negotiations between Tribune Co. and the Ricketts are "close to completion, financing is in place and that only a few issues remain before it closes" (REUTERS, 6/17). In Illinois, Barry Rozner writes, "The problem right now is a form of paralysis at the top of the organization, where the Cubs have been operating without an owner for many months, and there is great frustration within the front office over the lack of authority given to those in charge at Wrigley Field" (Illinois DAILY HERALD, 6/18).

PIRATES: In Pittsburgh, Dejan Kovacevic reports "only about half of the available tickets" for the Indians-Pirates three-game series June 23-25 at PNC Park "have been sold, with the first two games below 20,000, the third below 30,000." To "try to push sales while encouraging that the crowd will be comprised more of Pittsburghers than Clevelanders," the Pirates are "offering a $3 discount in three seating categories -- outfield box for $17, bleachers for $12, outfield grandstands for $10 -- as well as a Pirates cap to wear to the games." The Pirates also "plan to ask fans to wear black and gold all through the series." In the Indians' previous two visits to PNC Park, the three games in '01 "drew 110,000, and the three in 2003 drew 100,964" (PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE, 6/18).

NOTES: In Manchester, Dominic Fifield reports Icelandic bank Straumur, which has a 70% stake in CB Holdings, the new owners of EPL club West Ham United, has been "granted a six-month reprieve by a district court in Reykjavik to stave off creditors as it continues its desperate attempts to restructure financially." Straumur "must convince its creditors that its plans for West Ham and its other managed assets are acceptable" (Manchester GUARDIAN, 6/18)....After six seasons in San Jose, the NLL Stealth will relocate to Everett, Washington. The Stealth will play at the 8,300-seat Comcast Arena, which is also home to the WHL Everett Silvertips. The team's new name "will be announced at a formal news conference in Everett next week" (SEATTLE TIMES, 6/18).