Atlanta Spirit co-Owner Michael Gearon Jr. confirmed that his group and Padres Chair John Moores “agreed Friday to terminate Moores' exclusive negotiating period on a possible purchase of the Hawks,” according to Tim Tucker of the ATLANTA CONSTITUTION. It is “not clear how long Moores' exclusive period had been in effect,” but the parties “agreed to end the arrangement after the period produced little momentum toward a deal.” Ending the exclusivity “doesn't preclude the possibility of subsequent negotiations with Moores about the Hawks, but it reopens the process to other potential bidders.” The Spirit said that “no qualified buyer -- a buyer with the documented financial ability to complete a deal -- has expressed serious interest in buying the Hawks, Thrashers and Philips Arena operating rights as a package” (AJC.com, 5/23). Moores yesterday said that he “remains interested in the Hawks.” Moores: “The interest continues. I don’t think I can say anything beyond that.” The AP’s Charles Odum noted there is "no indication" that the end of the exclusivity period will affect efforts for Atlanta Spirit to sell the Thrashers (AP, 5/23).
