The relationship between the Coyotes and Suns is "so
tattered" that Coyotes Owner Richard Burke and Suns
President/CEO Jerry Colangelo "no longer speak," according
to Kent Somers of the ARIZONA REPUBLIC. The Coyotes are in
the second year of their lease at America West Arena, and
the team says that the number of obstructed-view seats and
current advertising and sponsorship deals prevents them from
"making money" and leads to "higher ticket prices for their
fans." Colangelo, however, "disputes nearly every one" of
the Coyotes' assertions, contending that they have a "very
favorable" lease, and says that their attitude shows a "lack
of gratitude for his efforts" in bringing the team to AZ.
While Coyotes officials are "careful when discussing their
situation at America West," the team says that the revenue
streams they were promised have amounted to "trickles" and
that the situation "has to change or they will move to
another arena." But team officials would prefer to stay
where they are. One of the "main sticking points" between
the two clubs is the fact that the Suns have the right to
sell exclusive corporate sponsorships. The Coyotes say that
since they signed their lease the number of such exclusive
categories has gone from nine to 21, which they say "limits
the scope of packages they can offer advertisers."
Colangelo: "Look, my door is always open. ... I've been in
this business for 32 years. Some people are novices in the
sports business" (Kent Somers, ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 11/15).
