Pistons Owner Tom Gores on Friday said the team is "getting close" on a deal to return to downtown Detroit as soon as next season at the Red Wings' Little Caesars Arena, according to Rod Beard of the DETROIT NEWS. Gores said, "If we're going to do it, it's going to be soon. I've always been relatively transparent. ... At the same time, I always want to appreciate The Palace and this great arena." He added, "We're serious about making this move and we should take it in and enjoy The Palace." Sources said that if The Palace "can't be sold," Gores' Platinum Equity "could continue to maintain it, consider redevelopment or other options." Sources added that the remaining issues are "significant and the deal still could collapse, but Gores seemed confident that they could bridge the final issues and come to an agreement." Gores said the Pistons have had "very good conversations" with the Ilitch family, which owns the Red Wings. Part of the remaining discussions include "building a separate practice facility for the Pistons downtown, but a location hasn't been identified" (DETROIT NEWS, 10/29). In Detroit, Vince Ellis noted the Pistons "would like a shorter deal" in their lease agreement, while the Ilitches "would prefer a longer deal." A source said that a deal would "likely include the merger of the entertainment businesses of both entities -- Gores' Palace Sports & Entertainment and the Ilitches' Olympia Entertainment." A deal to join forces on broadcast rights "could be consummated at a later date" (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 10/30).
BACK IN THE CITY: In Detroit, John Niyo wrote Gores after months of speculation is leaving "little doubt ... where this is all headed." Barring something "dramatic at this point," the Pistons are "headed back where they belong." Gores: "That's something that everybody would like. ... There's a lot going on down there." Niyo noted Gores and his team "have made improvements to the Palace" with more than $40M into arena upgrades. However, there is "only so much they can do here, especially knowing the party's going on downtown, demographically and otherwise" (DETROITNEWS.com, 10/29). Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan recently told Pistons players, "It's good to have you in downtown Detroit" (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 10/29). In Detroit, Shawn Windsor wrote the city is the "spiritual home of the Pistons." Windsor: "Basketball is back in the city. Back where it belongs" (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 10/30).
