Officials from the Village of Hoffman Estates said that it "might take a few years" for the Bulls' new D-League team to really take off, but they "don't expect to lose money -- and they see potential for large profits" in concessions, parking, ticket sales and sponsorships over the next 20 years at Sears Centre, according to Melissa Silverberg of the Chicago DAILY HERALD. The Bulls "will pay Hoffman Estates a minimum rent of $5,000 per home game for the first five years, though that number will increase with attendance, up to $7,500 per game if all 4,500 seats are sold." In each five-year extension, the base rent "increases $500." The team "plans to play 24 home games per season at the Sears Centre, but that number could increase as more teams join the D-League." The Bulls "will retain ticket revenue, but the Sears Centre will collect a $1 facility fee on every ticket." Hoffman Estates Mayor Bill McLeod said, "We're not going to be losing money. I wouldn't say it's going to be a huge moneymaker right away, but the Bulls brand at the building is going to help a lot." Silverberg noted a sellout "could bring in $12,000 before parking or concession revenue." Sears Centre GM Ben Gibbs said that the first few years "will be about building interest, but he expects to bring in larger profits by year three." The Bulls and Sears Centre "will split concessions revenues on a sliding scale," with the village getting 60% of concessions "if season attendance is 50,000 and up to 80 percent if its higher." Hoffman Estates "will spend up to $30,000 on marketing for the team" between now and the end of the '16-17 season and "$10,000 more each year" until '21 (Chicago DAILY HERALD, 11/13). Bulls President & COO Michael Reinsdorf said, "We want to create the same culture we have at the United Center out in Hoffman Estates." Bulls GM Gar Forman added, "It's our plan to use this on a consistent basis for our young players" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 11/12).
