NBA Franchise Notes: Kings Looking To Re-Energize Fan Base

Maloof Says Economy, Kings' Poor On-Court Performance Contributed To Poor Attendance

Kings co-Owner Joe Maloof said both the economy and the team's poor on-court performance has contributed to poor attendance, as Sacramento has been "hit really hard." Maloof: "We've had a lousy team the last couple of years, so I don't blame the fans for not coming. But I think we're on the rebound. We've gone to our fans directly -- all of our customers -- and we've asked them how we should change the way we do business today." Maloof added, "We looked at every department, how could we do things better tomorrow than we've done today, and tried to look at every opportunity to cut costs and then opportunities for revenues. We've gone through all that this past year" ("Street Signs," CNBC, 6/24). In Sacramento, Ailene Voisin writes the local community "needs a reason to re-engage" in the franchise. But at the same time, the Maloofs "need to sell tickets to pay salaries and reduce losses and, at some point, gain momentum to replace outdated Arco Arena" (SACRAMENTO BEE, 6/25).

YOUTH MOVEMENT: Bobcats Senior VP/Business Ventures Pete Guelli said the Bobcats "seem to be becoming part of the culture" in Charlotte, but the team is "still in our infancy." Guelli: "We're a five-year-old brand. ... We need, obviously, to grow the season-ticket base, and we need to grow the corporate base as well. That doesn't just happen overnight. You need to show that you're vested in the community, and once people understand that -- and they see some winning -- everything else follows." Guelli added the team is "in the middle of our season-ticket push right now, but we're going to be releasing a lot of other products that are going to help us fill" Time Warner Arena (CHARLOTTE BUSINESS JOURNAL, 6/19 issue).

DESPERATE MEASURES? ESPN's Michael Wilbon said the 76ers returning to the logo and color scheme that were last used in the late '90s is "what a whole lot of sports franchises should do." Wilbon: "We at 'PTI' love this and encourage others to go back to their roots" ("PTI," ESPN, 6/24). However, in Philadelphia, Frank Fitzpatrick writes the move, "savvy as the change might be, is a telltale sign of desperation." It is "not pleasant being the No. 4 team in town, especially when it doesn't look like that status is going to change anytime soon." Fitzpatrick: "I'm looking forward to an era when the Sixers no longer have to constantly change coaches, GMs, rosters, and logos" (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 6/25).