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Colorado group after franchise in WNBA

Rocky Mountain News

Published March 15, 2007 at midnight

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The former owner of the Colorado Chill, the state’s last foray into women’s professional basketball, is in negotiations with the Women’s National Basketball Association to bring a pro franchise back to Colorado in 2008.

Colorado is not alone in its pursuit of a WNBA team, though.

Atlanta announced a couple weeks ago that it is pursuing a team, and when the Charlotte Sting folded its operations in January, another Charlotte group and an outside group sought unsuccessfully to buy that franchise.

WNBA president Donna Orender would not address specific bids but did tell the Rocky Mountain News in an e-mail that "there are multiple opportunities for us to consider right now."

The Sting’s demise leaves the WNBA with 13 teams heading into the 2007 season.

David King, chief executive officer of Triple Crown Sports, a Fort Collins-based sports marketing company and the owner of the Chill, said he thinks expansion next year could go even beyond a 14th team.

He also said the success the Chill enjoyed in its three seasons (2004-06) before the National Women’s Basketball League folded should put his group in strong contention for a franchise.

King said it is his intention that TCS would serve as managing general partner of the ownership group.

He said WNBA approval of his bid is contingent on successful negotiations with the Budweiser Events Center and Pepsi Center to serve as dual home sites for the team and the ability to raise about $15 million to cover the cost of a franchise fee and provide the necessary operating capital for the franchise.

Orender declined to provide specific criteria but outlined, in general, what the league is seeking.

"What we look for in a market is passionate ownership, supported by great fans and a business base that will provide ongoing support," she said.

"We look for ownership that is committed to their community and to the women's game and that has an appreciation for family entertainment, fantastic role models and world-class athletes."

Triple Crown Sports has a 14-year history in owning and promoting women’s sports, including the Chill and the preseason and postseason Women’s National Invitation Tournaments.

"We would love to anchor an ownership group in the WNBA," King said.