Anyone want the Orlando franchise?

[MavsFanFinley]

Report: Entire Magic franchise up for sale

January 12, 2002

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- Orlando Magic owner Rich DeVos is putting the entire franchise up for sale, saying he's ``wearing down,'' the Orlando Sentinel reported Sunday,

DeVos told the newspaper that he can't guarantee the team's new owner will keep the club in Orlando.

``I can't ask him to do anything,'' DeVos said. ``I don't see any reason why he would want to leave Orlando. Where are you going and what's the rationale of that?''

Magic officials wouldn't comment on a sale, but planned to hold a news conference Monday.

DeVos, who made his fortune as co-founder of Amway Corp. has owned the Magic since 1991, but he claims the team is losing about $10 million annually because its current arena lacks moneymaking amenities, such as midlevel suites.

``It's time,'' said DeVos, 76. ``I've had a wonderful run. I've had a ball.''

The team has battled with Orlando and Orange County officials over a new arena, estimated to cost $250 million. But government leaders repeatedly have told the team that the money isn't available.

[BiteMeVescey]

Tiger Woods lives in Orlando. Couldn't they ask him to fork over some money out of his petty cash box for the new arena.