Pistons Owner Tom Gores and Palace Sports & Entertainment Vice Chair Arn Tellem "expressed optimism" yesterday about their joint bid for an MLS expansion franchise with Cavaliers Owner Dan Gilbert, according to the DETROIT NEWS. Meanwhile, Gores "deferred to Gilbert on the subject of a proposed land swap deal" involving the Wayne County jail site, which would be part of a $1B mixed-use development "anchored by a 23,000-seat soccer stadium." Gores said, "That's up to Dan. I mean, he really is the expert in real estate. I'm not that involved in that. I think he's very passionate about it. I wouldn't doubt that he's gonna get it done." Tellem added that the Gores-Gilbert group "expects to meet with the MLS expansion committee in May or early June" (DETROIT NEWS, 3/1). Gores yesterday was honored by Crain's Detroit Business as its '16 Newsmaker of the Year, and he touched on his plans to "further invest in Detroit and continue its forward momentum." Gores: "I didn't anticipate buying a sports team, but then I dug in and saw the full opportunity and ability to impact the community. How else can you do that? Sports teams are so interesting that way" (CRAINSDETROIT.com, 2/28).
FUTURE OF THE PALACE: Tellem answered questions on a handful of other topics, including the future of The Palace of Auburn Hills. The Pistons will begin playing their home games at Little Caesars Arena starting next season. Tellem: "We haven't decided right now. We're starting to have meetings about the future, but that's just getting underway. Nothing's been decided." On the Palace's final event, Tellem said, "We're planning some interesting things but nothing definite. Hopefully, there will be an announcement in the next month or two" (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 3/1).
