Chris Charlier, the Nets CEO, told the New York-based France-Amérique, that the move to Brooklyn has "increased by ten times the marketing potential of the team" adding "If we sell the franchise today, we would have a huge increase in re-sale value."
The answer to that question is "a lot." Forest City Enterprises, Bruce Ratner's parent firm (who owns pieces of the Nets and Barclays Center, projected the arena itself will earn $70 million a year. Mikhail Prokhorov hopes for $20 million from Nets.
Mikhail Prokhorov told reporters Saturday that he wants to lead "a third power" in Russia, competing with the Kremlin and the opposition. He also reiterated he will be leaving business. Nets officials say it will not affect his ownership of the Nets.
For years, they've waited and on Monday night, more than 5,000 Nets fans, season ticket holders with special passes got the run of Barclays Centers, spending two hours inside. For most, it was their first look inside and for most, the word was wow.
The Nets found out that their owner was running for President of Russia when he announced it. Everyone said at the time that the decision wouldn't affect how the Nets are run, but more recently, Prokhorov has said he will sell virtually all his assets, presumably including the Nets. That obviously would affect the Nets
Mikhail Prokhorov is expected in Newark for the Nets home opener a week from Tuesday. He's already on the North American continent enjoying what for him is a typical vacation: heli-skiing in the Rockies. That's having a helicopter fly you to the top of a virgin slope and drop you off for a long ride down.
Russian sports sites and newspapers took note of the Nets' change of address and name this week with most of them reporting on Jay-Z's announcement, with at least one taking note of Mikhail Prokhorov's absence at the Brooklyn event. The Nets owner was back in Moscow tending to other duties
In our latest Off-Season Report we look at a fan and Deron Williams' heated exchange--and why it took place; celebrate Travis Outlaw Day, investigate missing dates at Barclays, examine the security of the arena, and take a look at Marshon Brooks' summer camps.
So who is the "current structure", this "Team Prokhorov" that will deal with "day-to-day decision making" while "Mikhail continues to be a great supporter and fan"...and leader of Pravoe Delo ("Right Cause") political party?
If the 76ers were hoping for a hometown discount whenever free agency starts, Thaddeus Young ended that speculation Wednesday on Philly sports radio. He told ESPN The Fanatic that if gets a better offer from another team, "the Sixers will either have to match or come better. That’s the only way it’ll work out. Hopefully it works out to where I’m back on the team…"
