WNBA for Tulsa?

[USRufnex]

I think Nolan Richardson is the last gasp for the WNBA in Tulsa.
Keep in mind, Cameron Box Sports will also be bankrolling the Talons in Arena Football 1.
And I think it's going to have to be a few of Nolan's people who will put the WNBA effort over the top.

Otherwise why would he be doing this?...

Tulsa may be rollin' with Nolan again Published: 10/4/2009  2:27 AM
http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectid=11&articleid=20091004_11_A5_Former797992&archive=yes

"Richardson was introduced last week as coach and general manager of a WNBA franchise in Tulsa, should the city secure a team that would play its home games at the BOK Center."

[RecycleMichael]

http://www.tulsaworld.com/sportsextra/article.aspx?subjectid=413&articleid=20091019_413_0_ADetro699850

AP source: Detroit Shock are moving to Tulsa  
By LARRY LAGE AP Sports Writer
Published: 10/19/2009 

A Detroit Shock official says the WNBA team is moving to Tulsa, Okla.

The official spoke on the condition of anonymity to The Associated Press on Monday because he was not authorized to make the announcement.

Detroit made its debut in the league in 1998 and won titles in 2008, 2006 and 2003. The Shock lost last month to the Indiana Fever in the Eastern Conference finals after rallying to earn a playoff spot.

[cannon_fodder]

Wow.  The Shock are one of the premier franchises in the WNBA.  They averaged nearly 10,000 fans early on this year but that number has tumbled along with the economy.  For the regular season they averaged ~8,000 fans in 2008.  They are known for a highly successful marketing department and drawing passionate LOUD fans.  4th in overall attendance this year in the WNBA.  (worth noting that there are constant accusations that the numbers are padded, rumor has it about 5000 butts in seats was the real number)

It was announced unofficially a few days ago in Detroit:

Never before has a team had so much success, yet so few noticed.

That was the never-ending story of the Detroit Shock.

No matter how many championships they won or championship runs they made, fans here just weren't going to buy tickets to see women play basketball on the professional level.

It may sound mean. It isn't. It's just the reality.

That's why the Shock, three championships and all, appear to be heading to Tulsa.

There could be an announcement any minute. That's how white-hot the buzz is about the sale of this franchise is right now. While some will say good luck, the majority will probably say good riddance.

http://www.clickondetroit.com/parkersconfidential/21318158/detail.html
(best comment to the article: can the take the lions with them?)

http://www.motownsports.com/forums/detroit-shock/77187-detroit-shock-moving-tulsa.html
- - - - - -

I for one, welcome the new team!  Surely we'll get some of that quality job money in Tulsa, or are women's sports not worthy of state subsidies?   

In all seriousness, it's good news.  I see no bad news in the announcement.    I'll be at the first game if I can and probably one or two a year after that.

[cannon_fodder]

All staff of the Shock in Detroit (including coaches) will be losing their jobs.  They were told 10/15/2009.  It is being called "purely a business decision."   

[Conan71]

All staff of the Shock in Detroit (including coaches) will be losing their jobs.  They were told 10/15/2009.  It is being called "purely a business decision."   

Hmmm, seems like if they had a proven formula and some great marketing staff this might be a bad mistake to smile can every staff member in a wholesale fashion.

[sgrizzle]

Hmmm, seems like if they had a proven formula and some great marketing staff this might be a bad mistake to smile can every staff member in a wholesale fashion.

They were likely employees of "detroit shocks, llc" so technically by selling the team and hsutting down the llc, everyone gets canned.

[Gaspar]

I didn't even know the WNBA was still in existence. 

[Cats Cats Cats]

I didn't even know the WNBA was still in existence. 

Strong funadmentals make up for lack of dunking.

[dbacks fan]

I have been out and read the posts on KOTV, and TW, and it just still amazes me that a city that has been wanting a national team in a successful leauge since the Roughnecks left town (I don't include the Outlaws, there really hasn't been a sucessful minor leauge for the NFL unless you count the CFL) so many people turn negative and don't even want to give it a cheance. Granted it's games are on ESPN II, but it's weekly national exposure during the season.

[Gaspar]

I have been out and read the posts on KOTV, and TW, and it just still amazes me that a city that has been wanting a national team in a successful leauge since the Roughnecks left town (I don't include the Outlaws, there really hasn't been a sucessful minor leauge for the NFL unless you count the CFL) so many people turn negative and don't even want to give it a cheance. Granted it's games are on ESPN II, but it's weekly national exposure during the season.

I didn't even know that ESPN II still existed.

[Conan71]

I didn't even know that ESPN II still existed.

Do you ever watch "The Ocho"?

[cannon_fodder]

I didn't even know that ESPN II still existed.

Other than ESPN and ESPN2,  what about:

ESPN U

ESPN Deportes

ESPN America

ESPN Classic

ESPNews

ESPN Plus

ESPN (UK)  [newest venture, starting in 2009]

ESPN360

ESPNHD (some different programming, less and less)

ESPN2HD (some different programming)

ABC Sports (now produced by ESPN)

ESPN International

ESPN Brasil

ESPN Canadian Classics (Canada eh)

ESPN Plus

ESPN PPV

ESPN Australia

ESPN Star Sports

ESPN Latin America
- - -

ESPN also has a slew of online interests, radio networks, side ventures, and a stake in the Arena Football League.  They broadcast in 150 countries in 150 languages.  Whoever saw a group of guys standing around talking sports and went "I can turn this into serious cash" was a frikken genius.  I wish I was that guy.

(and yes, I realize the ESPN II comment was tongue in cheek)

[Wilbur]

How on earth does the Detroit Shock believe they will make more money by moving to Tulsa?  The team had pretty good turnout in Detroit and won three titles.  They actually think they're going to get better marketing and more attendance here?

NO WAY!

[dbacks fan]

How on earth does the Detroit Shock believe they will make more money by moving to Tulsa?  The team had pretty good turnout in Detroit and won three titles.  They actually think they're going to get better marketing and more attendance here?

NO WAY!

According to the article, the claim was competition from all of the other sports in Detroit, both college and pro. I compared the schedule for the Shock to the Tigers from June through Sept. which is the WNBA season. The Shock played 16 games at home (not including preseason) and of the games the Tigers were in Detroit five times. So they had competition 31% of their season.

I also compared the Mercury and the Diamondbacks and came up with the same result.  So if they are "getting something" it's probably a lower lease price and the connection to the Thunder, may be a better deal.

[FOTD]

I didn't even know the WNBA was still in existence. 

Not for long. Bankruptcy approaches for the league. What's this charade all about?