David Stern was on the BS Report today, and Simmons was talking about the two franchises for sale, GSW and the 'Cats. He said he'd rather have the Warriors for the tv market and fans, and Stern said if that's what he wanted, the Bobcats were what he wanted. Stern then went on to say that we've basically figured out everything with TV, naming rights, ticketing stuff, and the on the court stuff too.
Basically, the commish rates us higher than the Warriors. I'll take that.
Simmons said he thought Charlotte was more of a college basketball market.. Stern said that the Bobcats have (a) a brand new arena, (b) a market that has clearly been able to support an NBA franchise (he twice referred to Charlotte leading the NBA in attendance in the early years of the Hornets) and (c) arena naming rights deal and (d) cable TV deal. Stern also said that the current ownership had a rocky start with regard to "decisions" and that the on-court product had been rocky as well. He sees improvement ahead. I thought it was a fairly interesting conversation..the question is, could the right marketing strategy, pricing and winning on-court product turn the franchise around into a money-maker?
The Bobcats are clearly a better organization and situation than the Golden State Warriors. Just ask Stephen Jackson to compare the 2 teams. Ironically, as HORRIBLE as the Golden State Warriors front office has been for the past couple decades, they still enjoy something the Bobcats have never had, rabid fan support. They get way better attendance and local support than the Bobcats. In fact, I expect huge patches of empty seats if the Bobcats happen to make the playoffs. Just winning is not enough here.
There may be some empty seats, but I don't think it'll be nearly that many... I think Charlotte is a front-running town; when the Panthers were in the playoffs and on their way to the Super Bowl, you had everybody on the bandwagon. I think if the Cats make the playoffs, you'll have much more interest because it's the "in" thing to do.
"The Charlotte Hornets name has been a mainstay throughout the region for many years, and we are excited to announce our intention to re-establish this historic brand. We believe that its return will galvanize our fan base by unifying our loyal Bobcats fans with those who have strong memories of our city's NBA predecessor." MJ, 5-21-13
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