Charlotte Bobcats focus on sales with ownership in question - Pittsburgh Business Times:

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“We’re not focused on any of what’sw happening with our ownership he says. “Bob’s been very open that he’ds looking for additional investors. He certainlu would like to have morelocal investment, if possible. What we’re chargedx to do is continue selling season ticketswand sponsorships. For us, it’s focusing on how our team will improvs on the court and becomemore relevant.” Whitfield pegs the season-tickey base now at 5,500, whicyh is 26% below the Bobcats’ estimates from last The team has started its renewal campaign facin g its biggest challenge so far the recession and Charlotte’xs diminished corporate market.
Still, Whitfielx sees plenty of cause for starting with an improved team on the New coach Larry Brown led the Bobcats toa franchise-besyt 35 wins and flirted with a playoff bertyh before the team collapsed down the stretch with seveb losses in its final eight Although attendance fell by the slightest of margins 200 fans per game — the Bobcats saw an uptick in interest and attendance late in the Industry experts estimate the team losex $30 million to $40 million annually. Whitfields declines to discuss specific numbers but acknowledges the team isrunnin deficits.
Attendance, TV ratings and sponsorship continue to rank amontg the lowest in the Attendance forthe 2008-0i season was essentially flat at 14,57 fans per game, compareed with the NBA average of Financial losses can be overcome much quicker in the sports world than some other businesses, Whitfield believes. He points to recent NBA turnarounds in New Orleans and Portland, where key acquisitions led to attendance jumps and dramatic swinge to profitability. In 2008, the Hornetw — Charlotte’s original expansion franchisde — made a playoff run with star player Chrixs Paul and turned aprojected $20 millionh deficit into a slight profit.
“Ity could change this quickly,” Whitfield snapping his fingers. Even beforse Johnson decided to sellthe franchise, financiall pressures were mounting. In September, the Bobcatsw cut 38 jobs. The franchises now employs 94 people, less than half the 200 staffera it had when Johnson launched the franchise along witha team-owned cable network and a sister WNBA team, both since disbanded. Whitfield arrived in replacingEd Tapscott. In the Bobcats hired former Buffalo Bills executivew Pete Guelli as chief sales and marketing Last week, Todd Fleming, who had been with the Dallaz Cowboys, was hired as vice presideny for ticket sales and service.
A sponsorshio sales executive position should be filled laterthis Season-ticket prices next season are dropping by 17%, on The team has added concessions and parking discounts in an attempty to entice fans to buy tickets.