In N.Y., Josh Kosman wrote there were "more than a few people" who thought NFL Jets Owner Woody Johnson "wildly overpaid when he plunked down" $635M for the team in January '00. But sources said that the team is worth "about four times that today." Sources said that Johnson, who has a net worth of about $3.5B, has "likely earned back all or most of his investment as the operating profits of the team have grown" to about $130M a year -- after "subtracting the money being paid to service debt on MetLife Stadium." That is "up from" about $7M a year in '00. Meanwhile, sources said that game-day attendance for the Jets is "only the sixth-biggest source of revenue" -- behind $250M a year in TV rights fees, suite sales, club seats, PSLs and sponsorship revenue (N.Y. POST, 8/23).
THIS IS WHY I'M HOT: In Ft. Lauderdale, Ira Winderman reported the Heat have "extended their single-team affiliation" with the NBA D-League Sioux Falls Skyforce through '16-17, "retaining control" over basketball operations. The Heat are one of 18 NBA teams to "have a one-on-one partnership with an NBA D-League team, and one of eight to enter into a 'hybrid' affiliation, meaning the Heat will continue to pay for and control the Skyforce's basketball operations, while existing local ownership maintains primary responsibility for the team's business operations and community initiatives" (SUN-SENTINEL.com, 8/24).
WELL-OILED MACHINE: Pistons Senior VP/Consumer Sales Brad Lott said that 87% of full- and half-season ticket plans "have been renewed for this season, and he expects that number to top 90%" (FREEP.com, 8/24). Meanwhile, in Detroit, Perry Farrell noted the Pistons announced recently that they are "opening a Pistons Performing Arts Center (PAC) for those in the Metro Detroit community who were interested in training under the Pistons Entertainment programs, which are available in dance, cheer and gymnastics" (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 8/23).
THAT EMPTY FEELING: The CP's Neil Davidson noted Sunday's CFL RedBlacks-Argonauts game drew 14,748 to Rogers Centre, the Argos' "smallest draw" at home since '03 and the "lowest in the league this season." MLSE Chair Larry Tanenbaum and BCE bought the team from David Braley, and the old and new owners are "working together this season, before the new regime taking over" in '16. The Argos' average attendance last season was 17,791, down from 21,926 in '13 and 23,690 in '12. The Argos' planned move in '16 to the "more fan-friendly BMO Field can't come soon enough" (CP, 8/24).
