NFL Franchise Notes: Wilfs Seek To Grow Revenue At Metrodome

Wilf Says Team Focusing On Growing Metrodome Revenue Stream

TAX-FREE SPENDING: Tax experts and some Rooney family members said that as the family prepares to meet with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to "discuss a possible ownership change in the Steelers, the federal estate tax may turn out to be the least important factor affecting the team's future." In Pittsburgh, Mark Roth noted the tax costs 45% "on all estates above $2[M] in value." But DC-based Tax Policy Center Senior Research Associate Ben Harris said that, in reality, "few estates pay the full estate tax rate, and there is almost no evidence that any family-owned enterprises have had to dissolve or sell out because of the federal tax." The Rooneys "would seem to qualify for two discounts that are available to family firms under the federal code," a minority ownership discount and a discount "for closely-held shares" (PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE, 8/10).

Dolphins This Season Could Be In Danger Of Local TV Blackouts

HANGING AROUND: The BUSINESS JOURNAL OF MILWAUKEE's Mark Kass reports the Rams "would like to return" to Concordia Univ. Wisconsin (CUW) in Mequon, Wisconsin, for Training Camp in '09. Rams special assistant Jeff Horton: "There is no question we want to come back." CUW President Patrick Ferry said that the Rams "will pay [CUW] $330,000 for using the university's facilities, many of which would not be used during the summer." The payment "consists of $180,000 for food, $130,000 for the practice fields and dorms, and $20,000 for labor" (BUSINESS JOURNAL OF MILWAUKEE, 8/8 issue).

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