Grizzlies and Anaheim Continue Discussions

The Vancouver Grizzlies and the Walt Disney Co. are in “active and ongoing” discussions regarding how the Grizzlies and Mighty Ducks might share the Arrowhead Pond if the NBA team moves to Anaheim, Mayor Tom Daly said Friday.

Although Vancouver owner Michael Heisley remains concerned about the Mighty Ducks’ lease, which would require the Grizzlies to split revenues from NBA games with Disney, negotiations apparently have extended beyond Disney’s proposed lease concessions to a range of other issues, among them how the two teams might resolve conflicts for preferred game dates and possible marketing partnerships.

The continued discussions indicate that the lease has not stopped Heisley from strongly considering Anaheim as a new home. Heisley, who must tell the NBA by March 26 where he wants the Grizzlies to play next season, has said he also is considering Louisville, Memphis, New Orleans and Las Vegas.

Representatives of the Grizzlies have visited Southern California three times within the last three weeks. Heisley is expected to return to Louisville next Thursday.