In L.A., Mike Bresnahan notes the Lakers are an “economic machine, with more money than ever pumping into, and out of, their franchise.” The Lakers’ $100M payroll is “the NBA's largest, they currently owe $30 million more in luxury taxes, and they're projected to pay $49 million next February for revenue-sharing dues from last season.” The Lakers make “up to $90 million in annual ticket sales." They are "starting the first year of a TV deal with Time Warner Cable that pays them $120 million more this season” (L.A. TIMES, 10/18).
ON THE CLOCK: In Phoenix, Mike Sunnucks noted attorneys for the city of Glendale and prospective Coyotes buyer Greg Jamison are “continuing to try and hash out a new arena payment plan and deal that will help the latter’s investment group buy” the franchise from the NHL. If an arena deal and potential sale are “put in place before the Nov. 6th elections, that could put the Glendale City Council in the spotlight for approving another arena deal and management plan just before city voters are considering the fate of a temporary $25 million per year sales tax increase” (BIZJOURNALS.com, 10/17).
BLAME GAME: The AP’s Dave Skretta wrote the Chiefs are “mired in [a] 1-5 rut to start the season, and most of the blame for it has fallen” on GM Scott Pioli. Pioli said, “Clearly there are things we need to fix, things we need to change, things we need to improve upon. … We’re all frustrated.” Pioli: “Everyone has to do their job better in this thing, starting with me. I'm in charge of the football operation and there are things we need to get fixed” (AP, 10/17).
DRAGGING ALONG: In Boston, Dan Shaughnessy writes, “I’m worried the Sox are taking too long to work out a deal with Toronto” for manager John Farrell to take over the team. The Red Sox and Blue Jays “both knew they were not going to be in the playoffs.” Red Sox President & CEO Larry Lucchino and Blue Jays President & CEO Paul Beeston “could have back-channeled this deal in September.” Shaughnessy: “This is allegedly Cherington’s hire. Cherington wants Farrell. Farrell wants to come to Boston. Why can’t the Sox simply ask for permission to talk with Farrell, and work out a deal?” (BOSTON GLOBE, 10/18).
