If the impending sale of the OKC Redhawks goes through could Express Sports be looking at buying an MLS expansion franchise for the Edmond-OKC area?

I'm sure the success of the OKC Barons might also have a bearing on revisiting pursuit of an MLS franchise for Oklahoma City area.

Express Sports discontinued their pursuit of an MLS franchise when the Redhawks went up for sale.

Could MLS be on Express Sports radar?

What are your thoughts(?)

Why is it that these guys always seem to be making decisions that are bad for the city?

Why is it that these guys always seem to be making decisions that are bad for the city?

What bad decisions have they made ?

I think the sale probably has more to do with Bob Funk's legal problems than anything. There is some serious doubt that he will be the CEO of Express for much longer and there is a good chance the company will move to Portland. Not to mention, he cold have millions of dollars to pay back Express for personal expenses he took out of the company (if he in fact did what is alleged).

Express Services co-founder seeks ouster of CEO Bob Funk | NewsOK.com (http://newsok.com/express-services-co-founder-seeks-ouster-of-ceo-bob-funk/article/3471142?custom_click=pod_headline_business)

I think the sale probably has more to do with Bob Funk's legal problems than anything. There is some serious doubt that he will be the CEO of Express for much longer and there is a good chance the company will move to Portland. Not to mention, he cold have millions of dollars to pay back Express for personal expenses he took out of the company (if he in fact did what is alleged).

Express Services co-founder seeks ouster of CEO Bob Funk | NewsOK.com (http://newsok.com/express-services-co-founder-seeks-ouster-of-ceo-bob-funk/article/3471142?custom_click=pod_headline_business)




Kerry,

Is this the same partner Funk had during the Blazers-Blades debacle when Funk hinted at possibly moving the HQ to Portland if the Blades were allowed to move from KC to OKC before the Ford Center was Built?

Strange turn of events...

Laramie - I don't know. The co-founder lives in Portland so I am sure that is how the previous threat included Portland (although I don't remember that threat being made). If Funk has to repay millions, and he know if he is in trouble or not, then he will have to come up with some cash.

Kerry,

Is this the same partner Funk had during the Blazers-Blades debacle when Funk hinted at possibly moving the HQ to Portland if the Blades were allowed to move from KC to OKC before the Ford Center was Built?

Strange turn of events...

Laramie,

What a remarkable memory you have.

I don't see them movig to Portland anytime soon. Oregon raised taxes on businesses and the wealthy so they basically said we don't want big business in our state.

I don't see them movig to Portland anytime soon. Oregon raised taxes on businesses and the wealthy so they basically said we don't want big business in our state.

I could see where no one would want to move to Oregon, but the business partner already lives there so he is already paying the high tax. People living there are in a boiling frog situation - they'll put up with increasingly higher taxes but no one is going to join them. How big of a corporate operation does Express have in OKC as most of their business in Franchise?

If they sale, they are moving. We actually had someone interview with us that would be coming from there. That's why people from Express that don't want to move, are out looking for jobs now.

If they sale, they are moving. We actually had someone interview with us that would be coming from there. That's why people from Express that don't want to move, are out looking for jobs now.

If who sales? Express isn't being sold, the CEO is being questioned about his business practices. It is a private company with two primary owners as near as I can tell, Funk and the guy from Portland.

Oh they're selling. Just wait and see. If it's not going to be all of Express, they are at least taking part of it. Remember that not everyone that works in the Express building is actually part of Express by name. There are other entities in there that are part of the parent company, and deal WITH Express...but don't go by that name as well.

They have some totally retarted rules at that place becuase of Funk as well. I wouldn't blame people for not wanting to work there. The dress code alone would make me cringe.

Oh they're selling. Just wait and see. If it's not going to be all of Express, they are at least taking part of it.

Who would they sell too? It is a private company worth several billion dollars. They aren't a publically traded company where someone can buy the stock on the open market. I'm not saying Funk or the other owner wouldn't sell but someone is going to have to come up with a few billion in cash to even get the talks started. They do $1.3 billion in sales every year.

Company's that are doing great sell all the time whether they are private or public. If the right offer rolls around, folks simply agree to be bought out. They make enough to be happy for the rest of their life and move on. Simply because it's private has no effect on being bought. Our company buys up smaller ones all the time these days, and some of those were doing great...and their management even stayed on under our umbrella. It's just part of business.

Our company buys up smaller ones all the time these days, and some of those were doing great...and their management even stayed on under our umbrella. It's just part of business.

That is part of the point I was making. Express is not a small company so the number of entities available to purchase them are few in number. While there are larger companies out there, how many of them want to spend $5 billion buying a staffing company? Since Express is franchised the Express owners don't have to do too much except collect the checks. The franchisees do all the work. All the free-time is probably what led Funk to some of his problems. Lots of money and time on your hands is not a good combination – just look at most lotto winner, pro athletes, child actors, and trust fund kids. They all get screwed up.

I like to see Major League Soccer in the city, but I think somebody else may try to bring it in, if they do, as for Express, I don't see it moving anytime soon, but I could be wrong.

Yeah looks like troubles ahead for Express and possibly OKC economy because of Funk's behavior. I guess it's his private life so we can't do much but be spectators.

I really think that OKC missed their chance with MLS several years back. MLS franchises aren't nearly as cheap as they were back then. The league is up to 19 teams and the commissioner has recently said that they want the 20th team to play in NYC (the current NY team actually plays in New Jersey).

The only way I see OKC ever getting a team is if they build a state of the art 20k seat stadium, or at least have one approved and funded. The league is just far more particular now than the were back in the mid to early 2000's

Well and at that time, the UCO improvements weren't a sure thing. The stadium is MUUUUUCH better than it was at that time. even though they were talking about improving it then, it didn't happen until after all the buzz about MLS went away.

I've often said we need a 20K equivelant to Skelley in town for all sorts of things...this would be a good one to include.

I don't really think there is any chance for an MLS team in OKC. Just about every team in the MLS have an operating income in the red. (http://www.forbes.com/2008/09/09/mls-soccer-beckham-biz-sports-cz_kb_0909mlsvalues.html) MLS just hasn't reached profitability yet. With a $40 million (or so) buy in I'd think the chances of OKC getting a team is slim. I'm not familiar with an kind of deal that may be going on for the Redhawks but I believe in another aritcle by forbes they were only valued around $15 million. It would take someone with deep pockets that wasn't in too big of a hurry to make any of that money back. But I would really love to see it happen.

I like to see Major League Soccer in the city, but I think somebody else may try to bring it in, if they do, as for Express, I don't see it moving anytime soon, but I could be wrong.

Good point theparkman81' someone else will have to bring it in.

Speaking of Oklahoma City businessmen own franchises; looks like the WNBA is not doing so good in Tulsa. Bringing Nolan Richardson in as coach was a great move; however, it also backfired because it looks like Nolan can't coach women's basketball. Women are more disciplined to coach; meanwhile, until Richardson can make the adjustments, it is going to be a rocky road for the Oklahoma WNBA franchise. Don't be suprised to see the franchise transferred somewhere (like Wichita) or moved to Oklahoma City's Cox Convention Center where there will be support from Oklahoma City and Norman.



Lord Hemlet is right; MLS expansion franchise fees have gone up and our golden opportunity was probly lost when Express Sports decided to go with the RedHawks and abandon the risky MLS.


Maybe this is a blessing in diguise just like our missing out for that 4th franchise in the 1997 NHL expansion derby to Columbus, OH. Maybe there is something bigger and better just ahead for Oklahoma City.

Bringing Nolan Richardson in as coach was a great move; however, it also backfired because it looks like Nolan can't coach women's basketball.

Is that Nolan Richardson or Red Foxx? Where is Lemont?

http://kotv.images.worldnow.com/images/11343856_BG6.jpg

Good point theparkman81' someone else will have to bring it in.

Speaking of Oklahoma City businessmen own franchises; looks like the WNBA is not doing so good in Tulsa. Bringing Nolan Richardson in as coach was a great move; however, it also backfired because it looks like Nolan can't coach women's basketball. Women are more disciplined to coach; meanwhile, until Richardson can make the adjustments, it is going to be a rocky road for the Oklahoma WNBA franchise. Don't be suprised to see the franchise transferred somewhere (like Wichita) or moved to Oklahoma City's Cox Convention Center where there will be support from Oklahoma City and Norman.


Looks can be deceiving. For one, I don't see the ownership nor the league leaving the market after one season. In fact, no WNBA team has lasted fewer than 3 seasons in a market Besides, it takes several years to build up a fan base, and the ownership seems dedicated to the market. And the attendance figures seem to be about what the ownership expected (they're currently drawing 4,667 a game)

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4182/is_20100219/ai_n50239737/


The Shock anticipates attendance to hover around 5,000 per game, Swetoha said

As for the MLS, there was study conducted by Portfolio.com that calculated what markets could hold sports franchises, and what markets were overextended. They found 42 markets that could adequately hold an MLS franchise, and Oklahoma City wasn't one of them. Tulsa was, however. Also, Tulsa did have an NASL team in the late 70s and early 80s that was well supported.

http://www.portfolio.com/interactive-features/2009/12/stadium-seating

And the attendance figures seem to be about what the ownership expected (they're currently drawing 4,667 a game)

Thought I'd just update this, after tonight's game against Los Angeles, the average attendance has jumped to 4,885.

Thought I'd just update this, after tonight's game against Los Angeles, the average attendance has jumped to 4,885.

StormFan93:

Gotta give it up to you, you are up-to-date, in-the-know and very well versed.

StormFan93:

Gotta give it up to you, you are up-to-date, in-the-know and very well versed.

Why thank you!

Anyway, there was a good article in the Tulsa World last week, that chronicled the Shock's attendance issues:

http://www.tulsaworld.com/sportsextra/article.aspx?subjectid=413&articleid=20100715_29_BB15_NolanR827282


When Tulsa Pro Hoops LLC was formed to bring a franchise to Tulsa, owners confided that they would like to average 6,000 fans per game but needed a minimum of 5,000 to be successful financially.

In 11 home dates, the Shock has drawn 54,014 fans (a 4,910 per game average) to the BOK Center.

"We are absolutely committed to the long term," said Bill Cameron, Oklahoma City businessman and primary owner of the Shock. "We actually are right on target with where we thought we'd be financially.

"We're building for the long-term. We're happy with our corporate support, and we're happy with our arena activity.

"We're going to have spikes in attendance. We had a big one on opening night and again (Tuesday). Remember, this is our first year as a franchise in Tulsa, as a team in Tulsa and as owners. We are learning a lot, and we absolutely feel like we are on target for the long term. We are very committed to keeping professional women's basketball in Tulsa. Financially we are very sound."

David Box, who assisted Cameron in putting together the ownership group, said, "We are ready and focused for the long term. It's a step-by-step process. We will continue to create a good foundation that will succeed."

Local businessman/owner Stuart Price echoed the same thoughts.

"This is the best value entertainment-wise in the city in the summer," Price said Tuesday night as he scanned the 7,000-plus fans at the BOK Center. "The exciting thing about this is that Nolan is putting together an exciting team. They are working hard."

Like the on-court product, the front office is experiencing growing pains.

President Steve Swetoha said his staff is already planning for next season.

"We are seeking to improve in every piece of our business," he said. "We sold over 2,500 group tickets for Tuesday's game. Tulsa is a great place for WNBA basketball."

Those quotes are nice and all, but if they have anymore nights like tonight, where the attendance was 3,333 (which knocked down the average to 4,779 per game), if they'll still be as confident.

You've got to understand Tulsa. It's a beautiful city with a ton of potential, but why has OKC out-distanced Tulsa--boldness and aggressiveness
OKC is a "can do" city where as Tulsa has basically sit back and taken a back seat to progress.

I use to live in Tulsa in the late 70s and I still have fond memories of its beauty.

Tulsa had a $700+ million proposal to fund the Arkansas River Development which would have brought a wealth of companies to the downtown river development. In-fighting among Tulsa and many of its surburbs caused its demise.

The projects downtown (BOK Center and ONEOK ballpark) should spark potentially new development. I get that feeling that Tulsa doesn't want to mirror OKC's development which has triggered a lot of private development from MAPS I, MAPS for Kids, MAPS for Hoops and the new MAPS II.

Devon Energy of OKC would have left OKC and built its current 50-story 850 ft tower (under construction) in Houston had it not been for the MAPS projects in which OKC taxpayers invested in themselves.


I just can figure out why Tulsa is losing so many of its corporations? It is in my estimation the cleanest and most beautiful city in the United States.