Deal Would Bring Jets to Minnesota If Winnipeg Blows New Deadline

An offer from a Minneapolis group headed by businessman Richard Burke was accepted in principle Friday by the owners of the NHL’s Winnipeg Jets.

But a local group believed to involve CanWest-Global TV head Izzy Asper was given until noon Thursday to come up with a deal to keep the team in Winnipeg, the Jets said in a short statement.

Acceptance of the Minneapolis offer is to become effective Thursday if a local arrangement cannot be made. If the local group comes through, the conditional acceptance of the Minneapolis offer is null and void.

“We have been made aware that certain parties are attempting to provide a facility and a significant level of equity to enable the team to stay in Winnipeg,” the statement said.

“We have agreed to this additional request in order to be sure that all avenues have been exhausted in our ongoing attempts to keep the Jets in Winnipeg.”

Jet President Barry Shenkarow put the team up for sale May 3.