The Maloof family's "anticipated deal to purchase the
Lightning appears to be dead," according to Kaufman &
Cummings of the TAMPA TRIBUNE. Three sources "either
directly involved or with knowledge of negotiations" told
Kaufman & Cummings that the Maloofs are no longer "pursuing
the team." Another source told Kaufman & Cummings that the
Maloofs "recently alienated" Lightning execs and league
officials by "continually changing details" of a $160M
agreement. Lightning CEO Steve Oto: "Discussions are not
moving at this point." Kaufman & Cummings write that
although Oto never indicated a timetable for a sale, the
organization "preferred an orderly transfer by the end of
the summer." This scenario "now appears unlikely" due to
the "complexity of the Ice Palace Package and the NHL's
heightened review process on new owners in the wake of John
Spano's debacle." Gavin Maloof: "We're worth more than $400
million. This is not the Spano deal." Kaufman & Cummings
add that Tampa-based TransWorld Diversified Services is
putting together a bid that could involve partners.
TransWorld spokesperson Karl Nickel: "We are in the final
stages of our evaluation. ... We feel we have a very
legitimate shot at doing this" (TAMPA TRIBUNE, 7/25).
