In his "most wide-ranging sit down interview since
assuming partial control of the team last fall," 49ers Exec
VP John York is interviewed by Nancy Gay in today's S.F.
CHRONICLE and discusses the latest news on the stadium-mall
complex and a settlement to the legal dispute with team co-
Owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr. York, on his intentions for the
franchise: "[The] philosophy is that the 49ers will be an
elite franchise. That we need to look at this as a business
that is profitable, and that the revenues are there to
support a winning franchise out on [the] field. And we need
to make sure we develop good relationships with our fans,
our sponsors and our community." York, on the status of the
proposed stadium-mall complex: "I've had a number of
conversations with the Mills Corporation, and they are still
interested in going forward with that project. Our problem
is that part of the litigation [with Eddie] is involved in
the stadium rights, and it's difficult to move that forward
until the litigation is settled with Eddie." York, on
whether the team makes money: "Not right now. Very soon.
Probably the year after next." York, on the status of the
litigation: "There is no truth that we've been unable to get
Eddie to sign off on this agreement. The attorneys for both
sides have been meeting, and each time, these are more
issues that are cleared up" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 12/1).
