Franchise Notes
In Toronto, David Naylor reports the CFL is "close to completing a deal" awarding an expansion team to a group led by [OHL] Ottawa 67's Owner Jeff Hunt for the 2010 season. The deal would be contingent on Hunt's group "securing an arrangement to utilize Frank Clair Stadium at Lansdowne Park." A formal announcement "isn't expected before next week" (Toronto GLOBE & MAIL, 3/19).
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Barcelona Expected To Play Exhibition
Games Against MLS Clubs This Summer |
RED BULLS: In N.Y., Jack Bell reports FC Barcelona, which last visited the U.S. in '06, is "nearly certain to return to the [U.S.] this summer for at least two games against" MLS clubs. Barcelona spokesperson Jose Miguel Teres: "Probably Chicago and New York, but it is not confirmed." Bell notes the Red Bulls yesterday moved their August 9 game against DC United back one day, making it possible for a Barcelona-Red Bulls game August 7. SUM Dir of Hispanic Communications Marisabel Munoz said discussions with a "number of international clubs" were continuing and "details of the summer matches will be released in the coming weeks" (N.Y. TIMES, 3/19).
BRONCOS: In Denver, Mike Klis noted Broncos coach Mike Shanahan has been "widely criticized by media and fans as a power-hungry football dictator" since the team fired GM Ted Sundquist last week, but Broncos Owner Pat Bowlen said that Shanahan "made no changes after the disappointing 2007 season without first getting approval from him." Bowlen: "The changes you see are changes that I told Mike he's got to make. ... When the season was over, Mike and I had a number of discussions of how we were going to right the ship" (DENVER POST, 3/18).
CAVALIERS: In Cleveland, Branson Wright reports the Cavaliers "will have an NBA [D-League] franchise" in Erie, Pennsylvania, which will begin play next season. The Cavaliers likely will share affiliation of the team with at least one other NBA team (Cleveland PLAIN DEALER, 3/19).
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