Abe Pollin, owner of the Capitals, Bullets and the USAir
Arena, has told associates he will consider offers for new
partners to join him in the ownership of the teams. Wes Unseld,
Exec VP of Pollin's Centre Group Management, confirmed last night
Pollin's intent to attract new partners: "Mr. Pollin let it be
known a year ago [to his bankers] that this was possible in the
future. That if he was to entertain future partners, they would
have to demonstrate a commitment to the community and to minority
affairs. But to say that this is anything more than conceptual
at this point is premature." Last night, WUSA-TV (DC) reported
that Pollin was attempting to sell "part of his sports empire" in
anticipation of a downtown arena. BET President Robert Johnson
has offered to guarantee repayment of any city bonds necessary to
build an arena, if Pollin would agree to sell him a share of the
Bullets. Last year, Pollin rejected an offer to sell his sports
empire to a NY-based group led by former football star Calvin
Hill. Pollin has told friends that when he steps down, he would
like Bullets President Susan O'Malley and Unseld to run his
operation (George Solomon, WASHINGTON POST, 11/21). Sources
close to the Bullets told WUSA that Pollin has informed DC city
officials that he may roll the Bullets, Caps and other businesses
into one company. Pollin would keep 60% ownership in the company
while making the remainder available to the public (WASHINGTON
TIMES, 11/21).
