Menu
Franchises

Grizzlies Owner Robert Pera Addresses Public Presence, Future Of Arena In Q&A

Grizzlies Owner Robert Pera discussed the "future of FedExForum and more" in an e-mail Q&A with Ronald Tillery of the Memphis COMMERCIAL APPEAL. Below are excerpts from the interview:

Q: During a Twitter conversation with fans last summer you promised more transparency. Why haven’t [we] seen more of a public presence from you?
Pera: The Grizzlies are different than other businesses in that you have nontraditional stakeholders such as our passionate fans. I understand how important it is for the organization to communicate regularly with our fans so that they understand our vision for the future. To that end, folks like [GM] Chris Wallace, [President of Business Operations] Jason Wexler, [VP/Basketball Operations] John Hollinger and [VP/Player Personnel] Ed Stefanski have regularly engaged with our fans, either directly or through the media, to discuss that vision. My focus will remain on ensuring that vision is executed.

Q: We’re in an era of more hands-on owners. Should an owner have input in the day-to-day utilization of players and style of play?
Pera: I don’t know that we are in an era of more hands-on owners. I believe that we are certainly in an era of immense media coverage of NBA franchises and every aspect of their operations. Every NBA franchise is unique and far be it from me to tell other NBA owners how hands-on they should be.

Q: As someone who prefers to stay in the background and away from the spotlight, what interested you about playing in the celebrity game at NBA All-Star Weekend?
Pera: A chance to play at Madison Square Garden was just too good to pass up.

Q: What are your plans to improve FedExForum from a fan perspective?
Pera: FedExForum is our home and we will continue to maintain and upgrade it. For example, to enhance the fan experience, this past year saw investments in the Pyramid Vodka Studio, the Grizzlies Den by Adidas and the Horseshoe Club. That said, we will focus the bulk of our resources on what our fans care about most: fielding a competitive team and maintaining affordable ticket prices. If that means forgoing an upgrade to our in-house laser show, I am confident that our fans will support the decision (Memphis COMMERCIAL APPEAL, 4/17).

SBJ Morning Buzzcast: March 18, 2024

Sports Business Awards nominees unveiled; NWSL's historic opening weekend and takeaways from CFP deal

ESPN’s Jay Bilas, BTN’s Meghan McKeown, and a deep dive into AppleTV+’s The Dynasty

On this week’s Sports Media Podcast from the New York Post and Sports Business Journal, ESPN’s Jay Bilas talks all things NCAA. Big Ten Network’s Meghan McKeown shares her insight into the Caitlin Clark craze. The Boston Globe’s Chad Finn chats all things Bean Town. And SBJ’s Xavier Hunter drops in to share his findings on how the NWSL is making a social media push.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SBJ I Factor: Nana-Yaw Asamoah

SBJ I Factor features an interview with AMB Sports and Entertainment Chief Commercial Office Nana-Yaw Asamoah. Asamoah, who moved over to AMBSE last year after 14 years at the NFL, talks with SBJ’s Ben Fischer about how his role model parents and older sisters pushed him to shrive, how the power of lifelong learning fuels successful people, and why AMBSE was an opportunity he could not pass up. Asamoah is 2021 SBJ Forty Under 40 honoree. SBJ I Factor is a monthly podcast offering interviews with sports executives who have been recipients of one of the magazine’s awards.

Shareable URL copied to clipboard!

https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Daily/Issues/2015/04/20/Franchises/Grizzlies.aspx

Sorry, something went wrong with the copy but here is the link for you.

https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Daily/Issues/2015/04/20/Franchises/Grizzlies.aspx

CLOSE