MSL Anticipating Formal Bid for Sockers

The Major Soccer League expects at least one group to produce a formal application to purchase the Sockers today or tomorrow, according to Commissioner Earl Foreman.

But the franchise, which less than three weeks ago was on the verge of losing its owner with no one willing to step into the void, has a new problem: How to combine or decide between three interested parties.

That’s how many applications could be filed this weekend.

Foreman is not identifying the prospective buyers who have stepped forward since June 3, when owner Ron Fowler announced his intention to fold the team at the end of the month.

Neither would Foreman discuss what would be done if more than one application is tendered.

“That’s a sensitive thing . . . I never thought it would come to this,” he said. “I am very pleased with the fast track on which these negotiations have been conducted. I think it is a manifestation of the fact that the Sockers are wanted in this community. And it is my belief that the telethon and season ticket drive was a very convincing factor.”

On June 13 the Sockers’ front office produced a three-hour telethon during which more than 1,700 season-ticket orders were taken. Added to a base of 2,200 from last season, the current total is upward of 3,950.

The final hurdle before formal applications could be requested was cleared Friday when the commissioner and Randy Bernstein, Socker vice president, met with Harry Cooper, who operates the Sports Arena on lease from the city, and agreed to a lease for the 1991-92 season.

“It’s done,” Foreman said when asked if a lease had been negotiated. “All terms and conditions. The Sports Arena (officials) will welcome a new tenant approved by the MSL. Whomever we approve will be their tenant and I expect it to go to the application stage within 48 hours.”

Cooper said the lease would be identical to last year’s, meaning the Sockers would pay no rent and be assured of choice weekend dates. The Sports Arena’s income will come from parking and concession revenue.

Foreman is scheduled to leave town this afternoon. He has meetings scheduled in Buffalo on Monday and in Kansas City on Tuesday. He does not expect to end negotiations with potential Socker owners until the end of the week.

“We’ll distribute a lot of documents (to the ownership groups) from our lawyers in New York and from the league office in Kansas City (today),” he said. “And I expect a definitive answer to be made next week.”