The Grizzlies "don't plan to remain idle" during the NBA lockout, "particularly on the business side." There "will be no immediate layoffs, and the organization remains open for business with sales agents prepared to satisfy ticket orders throughout the lockout.” The marketing, sales and community investment staffs “will continue a normal business cycle, meaning the roughly 150 people employed” by the Grizzlies “will not miss a paycheck or work assignments in the near future.” The organization, for now, still is planning for its “annual block parties, various service projects, summer camps and community festivals” (Memphis COMMERCIAL APPEAL, 7/1).
SEEING RED: In Indianapolis, Mike Wells noted the Pacers have “seen a significant increase in full-season ticket packages, partial ticket packages and group sales since the end of the season and the addition” of G George Hill. Still, Forbes reported the Pacers have “lost money each of the past five years, including $16 million in operating income in 2009 and $17 million in 2010, with the streak expected to grow.” Some estimates have “pegged the Pacers’ annual losses at $30 million” for ’11. IU School of Law Dean Gary Roberts said, “The Pacers have a horrible financial situation” (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 6/30).
DELAY OF GAME: In N.Y., Mark DeCambre reports hedge fund manager David Einhorn’s negotiations with the Mets “over the purchase of a minority stake in the team are going into extra innings.” Mets Owners Fred Wilpon and Saul Katz “were expected to wrap up the $200 million deal for a 33 percent piece of the franchise by June 30,” but sources said the two sides “are still haggling.” A sticking point “could involve how many years Wilpon and Katz have to pay back Einhorn -- three, four, or five -- or be subject to a clause that allows him to gain control of the Mets” (N.Y. POST, 7/1).
EYE OF THE TIGER: In Detroit, Gregg Krupa reports Tigers P Justin Verlander “increases television ratings by about eight percent so far this season.” FS Detroit officials said that though the team overall is “averaging a 6.0 rating, in the nine starts since Verlander’s” May 7 no-hitter, the Tigers “have averaged 6.5.” The Tigers drew a 9.1 for Verlander’s June 14 start against the Indians. Verlander Thursday became “the first Tigers pitcher to win 11 games by June 30 since” former P Jack Morris in ’87, and the Tigers for the game “drew 31,861 fans, about 11 percent more than their average” (DETROIT NEWS, 7/1).
