Ownership of Sockers to Be Changed

The Sockers plan to announce a change in ownership at a 9 a.m. press conference today in the San Diego Sports Arena.

Bob Bell, Socker co-managing general partner, would not comment further on the conference. In a restructuring of the Sockers’ front office in August, Bell and a corporation controlled by Ron Fowler agreed to form a co-managing partnership. Bell had been the team’s sole managing parter and Fowler, the president of Liquid Investments Inc. of San Diego, was one of the Sockers’ limited partners.

Bell has been involved with the Sockers since he purchased a minority interest in the Las Vegas Quicksilvers in 1977 and then moved the team to San Diego the next season. In 1980, Bell owned 95% of the team, but his influence has gradually been reduced as limited partners have been added. In 1986, Bell’s share became 17.5% after a financial restructuring among limited partners.

Bell, Fowler, Ron Cady (executive vice president of Liquid Investments Inc. who began working with the Sockers this past summer) and Coach Ron Newman are expected to be present at today’s news conference. Fowler was unavailable for comment Tuesday.