If this goes through, then I would have to say this is the top achievement of the outgoing commissioner's tenure. Securing ownership for the Stars tops even the Cosmos deal if you ask me. Hopefully the group will have some fresh ideas and money to build a solid franchise in Minnesota.
Let's not forget this is a fire sale. The league is hardly in position to expect high standards of ownership. What you get is what you get or the Stars fold next week.
The owner still has to meet US Soccer's standards. It has to be an upgrade from the NSC and then collective ownership by the NASL.Whether they bring energy, enthusiasm, and bit of brains to the party is something to be seen.
Speaking of, the RailHawks and Eagles should get Publix on the line. They're expanding into North Carolina.
Oh, we've got plenty to choose from. Rainbow, Cub, Kowalski's, Lund's, Byerly's. I doubt any of them would jump onto a jersey sponsorship deal, though. There just wouldn't be much benefit, since the team has relatively little exposure and no television or print media presence.
Hmmm... I was thinking more along the line of season ticket deposits... if memory serves, Columbus got such a MASSIVE response that MLS couldn't say NO...
and then they were 9 MIAMI, Fla. (November 2, 2012) – The North American Soccer League announced today that an agreement has been reached in principle with a local Minnesota-based ownership group that will enable the Minnesota Stars FC, the 2011 NASL Champions and this season’s runners-up, to play in the league in the spring and fall championship seasons next year. The deal was ratified by a vote of the NASL’s Board of Governors held today
Congratulations. Going to buy a Stars jersey tonight to celebrate. Would buy a FCE one too but nobody will tell me if they are any god or not.
Bill McGuire has a net worth north of $1B (yes, that's a B), is retired so can hopefully devote the time and energy needed to be successful, like Mr. Hartman down in SA is a very smart/savvy businessman, will surround himself with like minded people (smart business people who are also passionate for soccer), and has always been successful. Stars fans should truly be counting their lucky "stars" (sorry - couldn't help it).
I think Mr. McGuire's been around the block enough to know that the Wilf's intentions were more rooted in saying whatever was necessary to get their stadium (at least that's the side that the "wiseguys" would place their bets).
It gets easier when you have 1.6 billion in "I don't give a ********s" to fly up your flagpole. It's hard to convince someone with just 20 million to buy the team, they're gonna have a harder time competing with the prospect of MLS should it form. They don't have much to leverage as a partner. But Bill McGuire's got the clout in our community to make the Wilf's want him on their side, and not as a competitor.
Ditto. Really, I can't agree with myself more now that the owner has been revealed. Talk about an ace move. From the reports I have seen, ownership is loaded, wants to get in tune with their supporters, and also thinking about stadium options. Should be interesting to see what Manny Lagos could do with a few new top players to round out his squad.