Franchise Notes

The New York State Court of Appeals Tuesday ruled in favor of Nets Owner Bruce Ratner's Atlantic Yards development in Brooklyn, but in New Jersey, Ian O'Connor writes Ratner "will be remembered as a dreadful sports owner, a legacy he won't be able to wipe out through the sobering powers of eminent domain." Ratner has "lost a ton of money and a ton of games," and he has "also lost a ton of credibility." If the Nets were "relevant in the marketplace when Ratner took over" in '04, "today they're everything but" (Bergen RECORD, 11/25).

Vancouver Whitecaps Named EPL Club Tottenham Hotspur Exec Dir Paul Barber CEO

SPUR OF THE MOMENT: The USL Vancouver Whitecaps Tuesday named EPL club Tottenham Hotspur Exec Dir Paul Barber, effective March 1. In Vancouver, Ian Walker writes Barber's hiring is "bigger than just the Whitecaps," as the "front-office coup is making headlines the world over." Whitecaps co-Owner Jeff Mallett said of Barber, "I call him our designated executive. Much like David Beckham is a designated player, it's the same impact we're going to see on the business side of the equation." Whitecaps President Bob Lenarduzzi "doesn't see his role changing, though he can now focus more on the soccer side of the business" (VANCOUVER SUN, 11/25).

DRESSED TO IMPRESS: The Mets Tuesday announced they will wear a new pinstripe home uniform next season reminiscent of the uniform worn in the club's early days. The Mets will continue to wear white uniforms at home with a black alternate. The new pinstripe jerseys will go on sale Friday (Mets). In New Jersey, Michael Fensom noted part of the "impetus for making the change was the positive reaction" from fans toward the unis worn in August as a tribute to the '69 "Miracle" Mets (NJ.com, 11/24).

DREAM WEAVER: New WNBA Atlanta Dream Owner Kathy Betty said the team has to win and has to "provide a good game experience for people who come to our games." Betty: "We're keeping it simple right now: what we do needs to increase ticket sales, needs to increase sponsorships and needs to help the team win. We play to win, and we dream to make a difference. It is about making a difference; that's a huge part of this. Our basketball team wants to be out in the community" (ATLANTA CONSTITUTION, 11/25).