NLL Sting Release Players, Continue Seeking Buyer For Franchise
NLL Arizona Sting players yesterday were "permanently released" from the team in the NLL's '08 dispersal draft, and the franchise is "for sale after being inactive since last year," according to Amy Brittain of the ARIZONA REPUBLIC. The franchise, which is owned by the Coyotes, "accepted the option to remain dormant and loan out players in 2008 after the NLL struggled to reach a collective bargaining agreement." NLL Deputy Commissioner & CEO George Daniel said that Sting execs "notified the league June 2 that they would not return for the 2009 season." Daniel said that the Sting's average attendance of 6,000 fans at the 17,500-seat Jobing.com Arena "ranked near the bottom of the league." He added that the team's "operating budget likely was hurt by the Coyotes' estimated $24[M] deficit." Daniel said the NLL "would still welcome the opportunity" to have a Phoenix franchise. But former Sting coach Bob Hamley said, "It's a tough market in Phoenix because there are so many entertainment options. My feeling is that the arena is maybe a bit ahead of its time. Most of the lacrosse community was in Scottsdale, and a lot of people don't want to make the drive from Scottsdale to Glendale." Coyotes President & Sting Governor Doug Moss said that the franchise "has not yet found a buyer." However, Moss added, "There is a potential. We've talked to several interested parties" (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 7/1).
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