One of us needs to hit the Mega Millions jackpot and buy the Islanders. I guarantee 95% of you, if armed with half a billion dollars, could run this franchise much better than the Wang/Snow circus.
One of us needs to hit the Mega Millions jackpot and buy the Islanders. I guarantee 95% of you, if armed with half a billion dollars, could run this franchise much better than the Wang/Snow circus.
That thought actually went through my mind when I saw the lotto jackpot.
Honestly, it wouldn't take much. Fire Cappy, hire a coach who demands the best from his players. Fire Snow, hire a GM who can convince a worthwhile free agent or two to sign on the Island. Pull a mini-Florida from last year and grab a couple key veterans (good ones... no Rolston or Mottaus) in free agency because you're no longer obsessed with icing the cheapest possible team. Your core pieces (Tavares, Moulson, etc) are locked up to great contracts, so you've got money to spend.
The thing is, I'm pretty sure the Coliseum would start rocking again. Lottery winner fan owner, committed to spending in order to ice a competitive team, that's a great story and the NY sports media would be all over it. You get this franchise relevant again, suddenly profits start rolling in. Games start selling out. More people in Manhattan start rocking Isles merchandise. Free agents - the good ones, the Zach Parises and Ryan Suters, start to look at Long Island as a realistic place to sign with, especially with all that wonderful cap space. Oh, and lower beer prices at the Coliseum.
What I'd like to know is how does Magic have $2 billion to buy a baseball team?!
1. He didn't buy it all himself, but he was the most recognizable face in the group of men who bought the team so he became the figurehead. He's absolutely adored in Los Angeles, which also doesn't hurt.
2. Since retiring, he's build a fantastic business empire. Probably the best retired-athlete-turned-businessman in history. His company, Magic Johnson Enterprises, is currently worth $700 million.
One of us needs to hit the Mega Millions jackpot and buy the Islanders. I guarantee 95% of you, if armed with half a billion dollars, could run this franchise much better than the Wang/Snow circus.
I wouldn't buy an NHL team unless I had over 1 billion ,,, After the mega millions the winner will only end up with like 250M after taxes
I would buy the Coyots or Isles (And move them to Houston ,, Sorry ). Always liked Houston's potential
Seriously though ,, Problem with Isles is whoever would buy it would either have to build a new arena or move team. If they move team I dont think Barclay's is that viable with such a small capacity
How awesome would it be if a fan wins the MM, buys the team, and suddenly this team starts signing UFAs this summer.
Only problem is after taxes the bulk comes out to slightly under $360M. If you buy the team you are taking a pretty big gamble on losing all of your winnings. Might be better off just letting nature run its course with this team and setting up the future 27 generations of your family instead.
How awesome would it be if a fan wins the MM, buys the team, and suddenly this team starts signing UFAs this summer.
Only problem is after taxes the bulk comes out to slightly under $360M. If you buy the team you are taking a pretty big gamble on losing all of your winnings. Might be better off just letting nature run its course with this team and setting up the future 27 generations of your family instead.
If I win it, I'd contact people like LaFontaine, Trottier, Potvin, and whoever else has been 'wronged' by the organization and talk about putting together an investment group to buy the team. I'd give them $150M (keeping the rest for myself) and let them go to town. I'd still be filthy rich and be majority owner of the Isles. Ah, it's a beautiful dream.
