Here's my choice, and my half baked reasoning. What would be your choice and why? Just curious? http://www.a-league.com/features/2002/fea,2002,0025.shtml
Great Analysis This is a great view of what teams should do. I think teams fail to price their packages to what the market will bear. It most cases they need to develop the market that they are selling to. Also I liked the quote from the new owner of the Mariners. It's so true about many front offices being made up of fans. This isn't a bad thing, but it's hard to run business with people that don't understand basic budget guidelines.
I think I'd have to go either: 1) the team that made the most money or 2) the team that lost the least money.
I don't know too much about others, but Montréal would be a good candidate here for a plethora of reasons, from solid ownership to a five-year plan, to renewed media presence and on-site fan interest.
I'd go with Montreal. You can't call Hampton Roads the organization of the year this year. You have to see if what they are doing right now have any effect on crowds and support next season. Calling them the organization of the year this year is premature. They haven't earned anything yet. However Montreal has done everything right. They improved the team on the pitch, and had their attendance skyrocket.
AS much as it pains me to say so, I must agree with Krammerhead!....just kidding, guy! No, really, given the results on the field and in the stands, Montreal has done a great job coming back. (I would say they must be doing some good work in the community as well to get those crowds). The new owernship in Hampton Roads came in to a mess & has done some real positive things but it's to soon to see if they'll get the same kiind of results - could be in the running for next year's award though?!
Montreal. They fielded a really strong team (sort of a Hershey North, if you know what I mean), drew boat loads of fans and their website is in both English and French.
What they need to improve is: -Media awareness (coming around), especially for away games (cough Webcast cough) -Merchandise other than T-shirts and jerseys -Less of a disparity between attendances at the beginning and end of the season -Online purchasing (merchandise). The organisation is top class and is close to its fans.