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troutman · 06-24-2013, 04:35 PM

The Fortress loan is at 9%:

http://www.arizonasports.com/43/1644...ship-situation

As currently constructed, RSE seems like a group of investors, to say it nicely, or carpet-baggers, to say it with attitude. Putting so little money into this up front while accepting a loan at a high interest rate makes the plan obvious. Buy the team and lose a little bit of money at first, and then make a lot of money selling the team to another ownership group. If RSE can't put up more of its own money, where are they going to find the money to put into the team? If they skimp on the team, fans won't show up. If there's no fans, the owners can then claim they tried to make the Valley hockey country, but it was all of us that failed.

All of this goes away if Bettman lowers the price. There are local, hockey-loving people in this Valley who will buy the team for $140 million and ensure stability for years to come. Bettman isn't interested in years to come. Glendale must stand its ground. Just because Bettman wants his money doesn't mean Glendale should pay off the new ownership group. Bettman can have his sale price for a long-term lease or he should allow a different ownership group to buy it cheaper on a short-term lease.

As this situation is currently constructed, I predict the Coyotes/NHL/RSE come to an agreement in the next two weeks. There will be loud celebration. Then, little will be done to improve the team. Don't blame GM Don Maloney. As the losses mount and the fan support dwindles, RSE will claim massive losses. They will act like millionaire victims. The Coyotes will be sold and moved.

If nothing changes, we will have hockey next year. In 2018, however, some city in the US or Canada will have a contest to name their new team. It appears Glendale is choosing a slow death.

06-24-2013, 04:35 PM	#3177
troutman Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Crowsnest Pass Exp:	The Fortress loan is at 9%: http://www.arizonasports.com/43/1644...ship-situation As currently constructed, RSE seems like a group of investors, to say it nicely, or carpet-baggers, to say it with attitude. Putting so little money into this up front while accepting a loan at a high interest rate makes the plan obvious. Buy the team and lose a little bit of money at first, and then make a lot of money selling the team to another ownership group. If RSE can't put up more of its own money, where are they going to find the money to put into the team? If they skimp on the team, fans won't show up. If there's no fans, the owners can then claim they tried to make the Valley hockey country, but it was all of us that failed. All of this goes away if Bettman lowers the price. There are local, hockey-loving people in this Valley who will buy the team for $140 million and ensure stability for years to come. Bettman isn't interested in years to come. Glendale must stand its ground. Just because Bettman wants his money doesn't mean Glendale should pay off the new ownership group. Bettman can have his sale price for a long-term lease or he should allow a different ownership group to buy it cheaper on a short-term lease. As this situation is currently constructed, I predict the Coyotes/NHL/RSE come to an agreement in the next two weeks. There will be loud celebration. Then, little will be done to improve the team. Don't blame GM Don Maloney. As the losses mount and the fan support dwindles, RSE will claim massive losses. They will act like millionaire victims. The Coyotes will be sold and moved. If nothing changes, we will have hockey next year. In 2018, however, some city in the US or Canada will have a contest to name their new team. It appears Glendale is choosing a slow death.