Fidelity National Financial Chair Bill Foley, an "admitted recluse" who is behind Las Vegas' successful NHL expansion effort, "might well be the most important, or at least the most interesting, man in hockey," according to Scott Burnside of ESPN.com. If the Las Vegas move "is uncharted territory for the NHL and all of pro sports," it "is for Foley as well." But a man accustomed to operating behind the scenes "has had to redefine himself as a public figure as he campaigned to bring professional hockey to Las Vegas." Even after yesterday's league approval of the Las Vegas expansion franchise, Foley "was more understated" than euphoric. He said, "I have to be up front and I have to be out talking to people and being interviewed. I'm a pretty common guy, but I'm reclusive. So I'm not really good at large groups and glad-handing and trying to motivate and get people excited. So I've had to really learn how to do that in doses" (ESPN.com, 6/22).
OFF THE ICE: Foley talked of the approval process and his management style, "I’ve always trusted myself in finding the right people who work for me. I’ve got people who’ve been with me for 20, 25 years. You can’t succeed without good people working for you. I’m very confident we’re going to have people who will make the hockey team a success, both on and off the ice." He added as to whether he will be a hands-on owner, "I will be involved with the decisions at every level. But does that mean I’m going to tell the coach who to play in goal that night? I don’t think so. But I want to get to know our players. I want guys who are going to represent the team and Las Vegas the right way. To that end, yes, I will be involved. Off the ice, I’ve already been involved, meeting the fans, talking to them about what they want. That’s not going to change" (LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL, 6/23). Foley said he will be a "good and supportive owner." Foley: "In the military, you’re always part of a team and something bigger, working together. That way of thinking has helped me a lot in my career and building my companies. We’re going to build our team around the same philosophy." In Las Vegas, Ed Graney in a front-page piece writes the NHL has come to the city "because of the commitment and drive and determination of Bill Foley" (LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL, 6/23).
ROLE PLAYERS: Meanwhile, the Maloof family will own 15% of the Las Vegas franchise, and Joe Maloof said, "We love sports. And we love Las Vegas. This is the biggest thing to ever happen for the city, and we wanted to be part of it." In Las Vegas, Steve Carp notes the Maloofs "are comfortable with their role," and they "will let Foley be the face of the franchise." Maloof: "This is about supporting Bill and supporting the city. Bill's the boss. ... He's a straightforward, regular guy who happens to have a lot of money" (LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL, 6/23).
