Among the questions facing the Wizards and Capitals
this offseason is whether Washington Sports Chair Abe Pollin
"is seriously considering selling either or both of his
teams and the MCI Center," according to Wyche & Asher of the
WASHINGTON POST. While Pollin has turned down several
offers over the years, the value of his sports properties,
including the MCI Center, has now increased to more than
$600M. Despite reports that he is "not ready to get out" of
sports, Pollin "has told friends he has become increasingly
disenchanted with soaring salaries and having to charge high
ticket prices to cover increased costs." He has also become
"concerned" over the "feeling many fans have of being
disconnected to some professional athletes." In a statement
released yesterday, Pollin acknowledged that "there have
been many offers to sell the teams since the opening of the
MCI Center [in '97]. But there is no deal to sell the teams
at this time." Meanwhile, BET TV President Robert Johnson
again "restated" his interest in the teams yesterday.
Johnson put the value of the two teams and the arena at
$505M, with the Wizards worth $200M, the MCI Center worth
$180M and the Capitals worth $125M. However, Johnson noted
that a bidding war could push the total sale price over
$750M. Other potential buyers include Michael Jordan, who
has "told friends" that he "might be interested in the
Wizards" if things fall through with the Hornets, and N.Y.
developer Roland Betts, who previously sought to buy the
teams and U.S. Airways Arena with Ted Lerner, David
Bonderman and Calvin Hill (WASHINGTON POST, 5/7).
