The WNBA Sky will "return to Chicago" next year, moving into DePaul's new Wintrust Arena after spending the last eight seasons at Allstate Arena in the suburb of Rosemont, according to a front-page piece by Christopher Placek of the Chicago DAILY HERALD. The Metropolitan Pier & Exposition Authority (MPEA) BOD yesterday voted to "approve a five-year agreement" with the WNBA team. Sky President & CEO Adam Fox said that the decision in '10 to move to the suburbs after four years at UIC Pavilion in Chicago "came from a desire to gain exposure throughout the region, and because of the convenience for fans getting there." Fox said that while it is a "tough decision, going back to the city will allow the Sky to continue to grow" their brand. The Sky "set a franchise record for average attendance last season at 7,009, although some games have recorded crowd sizes under 2,000." The Sky played 17 home games in Rosemont, "paying the village $9,500 per game as a facility rental fee, under terms of its last extension with the village." Allstate Arena Exec Dir Pat Nagle said that there "wouldn't be a financial hit to the arena since it can make more with one concert" (Chicago DAILY HERALD, 7/26). In Chicago, Danny Ecker reported the Sky will pay the MPEA a "base fee of $161,500 a year for the regular season under the contract and $9,500 per playoff game." The deal also "includes revenue-sharing between the Sky and MPEA." The team will "keep all revenue from ticket and merchandise sales," while the MPEA will "keep revenue from concession sales, parking and fees associated with ticket sales." In addition, the Sky "will be guaranteed at least $250,000 per year in revenue from arena sponsors." MPEA will "provide the team a rent credit for the difference if it comes up short" (CHICAGOBUSINESS.com, 7/25).
