Disney Finishes Talks with Grizzlies
The Walt Disney Co. has concluded its negotiations with the Vancouver Grizzlies, Anaheim Sports President Tony Tavares said Tuesday, leaving the effort to lure the NBA team to the Arrowhead Pond to officials from the arena and the city of Anaheim.
Tavares said he believed Disney satisfied the concerns of Vancouver owner Michael Heisley about the Mighty Ducks’ lease with Ogden Corp., operators of the Pond. Disney has offered concessions to that agreement, which requires an NBA team moving into the arena to split millions of dollars in advertising and premium seating revenue with Disney.
“The city and Ogden came to us and asked us about the lease and I think we’ve accommodated them,” Tavares said. “But negotiations now are between Heisley, Ogden and the city. That’s where the deal will be made or broken. We’re not really involved any more, except to answer questions when needed.”
Heisley is scheduled to visit Louisville, Ky., tonight and Thursday. Memphis, Tenn., New Orleans and Las Vegas are also courting the Grizzlies. Heisley has said he hopes to narrow the field “toward the end of this week.”
The possibility of Heisley buying the Ducks, which would allow him to operate both teams in the arena, is not currently under discussion. Still, Pond General Manager Tim Ryan believes Heisley can find his most lucrative deal in Anaheim, the only city in which he would have to share an arena with an NHL team.
“There is a very real scenario that allows a second tenant to be successful,” Ryan said. “We’ll be in this game right until a decision is made. We’ve put ourselves in a position to win this game.”
Heisley said Monday he has been approached by several local investors interested in buying a minority share of the Grizzlies should they move to Anaheim.
