Splash, Still Kicking, Faces New Deadline
The Splash trickles on for now.
But over the next three days, some entity--corporate or individual--must step forward as a partner or outright owner of the Continental Indoor Soccer League team or the franchise will fold after two seasons at The Pond.
Tuesday’s deadline for owners to post a letter of credit passed, and so did, technically, the rights to the franchise from Ogden Facility Management Corp. to the league.
Tim Ryan, Pond assistant general manager, told the league’s Board of Governors he remains in conversation with a potential partner, and CISL Commissioner Ron Weinstein said the league wouldn’t flex its muscle on the matter.
“Ogden controls The [Pond],” Weinstein said. “Where would the new owner play? The fact that Ogden is still willing to be a partner is what makes it so inviting and intriguing.”
But time is running out on Ogden, the New York-based company that has dictated to Ryan and Brad Mayne, Splash co-governor and Pond general manager, that they find a partner to cover the company’s financial risk.
“I’m 99% sure Ogden will not be the 100% owner and operator of the Splash in 1996,” Ryan said. “If I was a gambling man, I would say the odds right now are 50-50 that we’ll be able to get a deal done given the time constraints that we’re facing.
“My hope is the league will work with us if we do have an ownership change or partnership agreement, at least verbally agreed upon in the next few days, and they would give us the necessary time to finalize all the logistics.”
Ryan would not reveal the potential partner.
“I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure that team stays alive,” Weinstein said. “I would not throw them into that category [of having folded]. There has to be somebody out there who understands the value of this team.
“It’s important for the league to continue a presence in Anaheim and do everything we can over the next 72 hours to meet with any potential buyers. We’ve taken it as far as we can to give Ogden the opportunity to step forward. Our goal now is to meet with any and all potential buyers who are able to make a quick decision. If there’s anyone out there who’s interested, call me.”
The Splash had the league’s second-highest attendance last year and has won two division titles since moving from the Forum two years ago. More than 1,100 season tickets have been sold for the upcoming season, which begins in June.
Additionally, a share of $3 million in expansion franchise fees and part of a possible national television contract are potential windfalls for a new owner/partner.