In Atlanta, Chris Vivlamore noted former NBAer Dikembe Mutombo has "met with a group of investors about joining their bid to buy" the Hawks. The group, which is made up in part of Atlanta businessmen, has "begun the preliminary work to get involved in the sale of the team," and "talks are ongoing." The group may also "consist of other former" NBAers. The group hopes to "meet with the NBA commissioner’s office in the near future." Currently, at least a majority share of 50.1% of the Hawks "is available." It still has "not been determined" whether the Atlanta-based faction of the current ownership group, which owns 34%, and/or the N.Y. group, which owns 16%, will "sell their stakes in the team." The ownership group has yet to "hold a meeting to determine what percentage of the Hawks will be sold." Also, the process of "hiring an investment banking firm to vet prospective buyers is on going" (AJC.com, 10/20).
KEEPING UP THE PACE: In Indianapolis, Anthony Schoettle noted the Pacers' season-ticket renewal rate is 94% "despite predictions of the Pacers’ on-court demise." Pacers officials said that overall ticket sales are 15% "higher than the same time last year, sponsorship sales are up" 9%, and preseason merchandise sales are 25% "ahead of last year." Those gains "come on the heels of double-digit increases a year ago." While Pacers Sports & Entertainment Senior VP and Chief Sales & Marketing Officer Todd Taylor "admits he has tempered his goal of selling out all 41 regular-season home games, he’s confident he and his staff can at least match last year’s mark of 28 home sellouts" (IBJ.com, 10/17).
"I" OF THE BEHOLDER: In Memphis, Ronald Tillery noted the players' space at FedExForum has been "redecorated with Apple tablets equipped with special software that makes studying video, player patterns and statistics as easy as putting on sneakers." Grizzlies Owner Robert Pera’s "latest initiative to help increase player and team performance on the court appears to have served as a boost in morale." Grizzlies G Quincy Pondexter said, “They tell you your daily schedule. They have all of the plays you’ve played in and it gives you a complete breakdown of your opponent. Robert Pera has done an amazing job of investing in us. The resources like those iPads have made a big difference. We’ve all had film sessions but not this in-depth. We’re really investing in the analytical part. It’s pretty cool how much technology has taken over this game" (Memphis COMMERCIAL APPEAL, 10/19).
