DC United to be sold for $20m

[Young Drachma]

Not bad, considering its just market rights to the club. But overall, it shows you about where MLS clubs are pricewise versus say, the Big 3 + Hockey.

The Ducks sold for what, $75m recently? And they have a good arena, too.

So I guess MLS has to be the #5 league, because those lacrosse teams aren't close to $20m are they?

[Galaxy]

Any links?

[Young Drachma]

Link

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/06/21/AR2005062100818.html

Willi Lauterbach and Timothy Kissler, local commercial real estate developers who have been bidding to develop new stadium plans for both the Washington Nationals and D.C. United, are leading the group that is on the verge of buying the Major League Soccer club's operating rights from Colorado billionaire Phil Anschutz, The Post has learned.

Barring last-minute complications, United and MLS officials are planning to announce the estimated $20 million deal in the next few weeks.

The group also includes United President and CEO Kevin Payne and Washington real estate attorney Kenneth Lore.

Lauterbach, Kissler and Lore have become regulars at United's matches at RFK Stadium, and at least one of them attended Saturday's game against the New England Revolution.

Several people close to the team and the league have met members of the new group, but none was willing to comment publicly because of the sensitive nature of the negotiations.

Payne, who has been overseeing the sale, declined to comment. Lauterbach and Kissler couldn't be reached, and a United spokesman said any prospective buyers wouldn't make themselves available for an interview.

[weinstein7]

I'm starting to think that the single-entity structure might not be around much longer.

[mckerney]

In other MLS news, new Vikings owner Zygi Wilf said he was interested in bringing an MLS team to Minnesota.

[Young Drachma]

I'm starting to think that the single-entity structure might not be around much longer.

Hmm...that'd be the best thing, but also the worst thing for that league.

Those guys are buying local market rights and while they probably can all convert those rights to ownership stakes in the teams once they exist as actual teams, that's going to increase costs significantly.

I wonder if the league can sustain that? Of course, most of the owners are deep pockets. If they stopped single-entity, you couldn't have the same owners operating teams in more than one city. Seeing as AEG basically owns half the league, that'd be a problem.

[SackAttack]

So United can afford to be involved in MLS, but it can't afford the pensions for its pilots and such?

Way to keep your priorities straight, guys.

[Young Drachma]

Nah, they wish they had a deal like that.

DC United is just the name of the team. Like Manchester United in England.

Not as in "United" the airline.

[Galaxy]

So United can afford to be involved in MLS, but it can't afford the pensions for its pilots and such?

Way to keep your priorities straight, guys.


What? Where did United Airlines come from?

[EagleFan]

Totally misread that title. Remembered the Man U potential buy-out by the Tampa Bay Buccs owner and just read the United part. Thought it said Man U sold for 20 mil, which I thought must have been one hell of a steal.

As far as DC United, price might be a little inflated, but not too much.

[TazFTW]

So does this mean the new owners can tell whatever his name is to play Freddy Adu?

[Young Drachma]

So does this mean the new owners can tell whatever his name is to play Freddy Adu?

Yeah, in theory. Peter Nowak might get to do the fan's bidding. If the league is selling the guy like he's the future, you don't spend two years benching him.

Even if he is young and too small. But he was a player, so he might have the kid's best interest in mind. Which one can appreciate.

[Young Drachma]

It's official

http://www.mlsnet.com/MLS/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20050728&content_id=38203&vkey=pr_dcu&fext=.jsp&team=dcu