Nets' Yormark Hopes To Land New Sponsors On Trip To China

Yormark Confident He Will Sign Four More Sponsors In China

NO SLEEP 'TIL BROOKLYN: SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL's Don Muret writes with K.C.-based Ellerbe Becket replacing architect Frank Gehry on the Barclays Center project, the Nets are "redeveloping their venue plans by focusing on the 'Brooklyn brand.'" Yormark noted the team will save about $200M by switching designers for the arena, but added the "biggest change is that the building is now going to evoke Brooklyn like never before." In addition, the Nets plan to build a practice facility adjacent to Barclays Center, and Yormark said that it is part of the "team's effort to form a close bond with Brooklyn's 2.5 million residents by having the players spend more time on site" (SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL, 6/15 issue). On Long Island, Alan Hahn wrote the Nets' "Brooklyn" brand is "expected to be an instant merchandising success." The move from Newark to N.Y. "alone will increase the value of the franchise," but Forbes Senior Editor Kurt Badenhausen indicated that the "move into a more viable arena will be the biggest asset." The Nets would have the "benefit of being located at the third-largest commuter hub in the tri-state area," and the move to Brooklyn "excites the NBA, which is always open to gaining a bigger footprint in the largest market." While "going head-to-head with the Knicks on the business side will be a challenge," the city has "shown it can support two baseball teams." The Nets plan to "aggressively market the area, including Long Island." Yormark said, "There's enough to go around for everyone. I think ... it will create an incredible sports rivalry between the Nets and the Knicks, and that's good for fans, it's good for the sport of basketball" (NEWSDAY, 6/14).

Print This Article