Jets Ready to Go to Minnesota but Deal Awaits State Support

The Winnipeg Jets probably won’t move to Minneapolis unless prospective owner Richard Burke convinces Minnesota lawmakers to support the deal, a spokeswoman for Gov. Arne Carlson said Friday.

Burke took control of the team Friday when Jet owner Barry Shenkarow announced he would honor the tentative $65 million purchase offer he received from Burke last week.

But that deal is believed to hinge on $15 million in state money, an expenditure that has met considerable resistance at the Statehouse.

Carlson spokeswoman Cyndy Brucato said legislators, who close their 1995 session Monday, are unlikely to approve the contribution unless Burke eases their concerns. If Burke does not get public assistance, he still could buy the Jets and move them to another city, possibly Nashville, Tenn.