Dolphins Owner Stephen Ross on Thursday called Marlins Owner Jeffrey Loria's $1.2B asking price to buy the ballclub “unrealistic.” In Miami, Barry Jackson cited sources as saying that Loria originally sought $1.3B for the team but has "since lowered his price." Ross said, "He’s holding out for dollars right now that are unrealistic." Ross said he has "had phone calls" with current Marlins suitors about joining their investment group but is "not interested" (MIAMI HERALD, 7/28).
FAMILY BUSINESS: In Pittsburgh, Ed Bouchette notes Dan Rooney Jr., the younger brother of Steelers President Art Rooney II, is listed as part of the Steelers ownership group for the "first time." Rooney Jr. was "never publicly listed as part of the ownership group." But Steelers Communications Coordinator Burt Lauten said, “He has been and will continue to be a representative of the Rooney family in the ownership group.” Rooney Jr. also holds the position of Player Personnel Coordinator, the No. 3 position in football operations under GM Kevin Colbert (PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE, 7/28).
WHAT'S THE FORECAST? In St. Paul, Andy Greder reports Minnesota United will increase some season-ticket prices for the '18 season at TCF Bank Stadium. Club President Nick Rogers said, “It’s still less than we are seeing other top-tier professional sports teams offer, and I think close to 70 percent of our ticket pricing is still going to be under 30 dollars a match, which I think provides a lot of accessibility for people.” On a price forecast for '19 at the club's new Allianz Field, Rogers said, “We are moving into a brand-new facility and I’m sure there will be some kind of price increase" (ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS, 7/28).
