Another New League

[kahunakats]

OK, Bloggers, here's your chance to get in and put in your two cents PRIOR to a league getting off the ground. There's a new league that is being formed in the Southeastearn US (West Virginia to Georgia). I'm asking for suggestions and recommendations as to how to do this the right way (although it will probably veer off at some point and need correcting as all minor leagues seem to do). I'm really interested in getting suggestions-via the board or through e-mail or phone calls so I can pass them along.

John Guy
Phoenix, AZ

[wellington]

Why another basketball league? How about starting an indy baseball league in the Southeast? Regardless, best of luck.

[SignGuyDino]

Isn't this the same John Guy who was "Commissioner" of the Eastern Indoor Football League?

[kahunakats]

It is. Some basketball people back East contacted me for some assistance in starting a new league-mostly made up of dissatisfied teams that have played in other leagues.

[The Magician]

It is. Some basketball people back East contacted me for some assistance in starting a new league-mostly made up of dissatisfied teams that have played in other leagues.


IMO, the best thing to do, is get all these 'dissatisfied' owners together, in one place, in a meeting, and get it all out on the table.

#1 thing, create an AGENDA.

During the 1st session of the day, go around the table, allow each owner to say what they need to say. This should revolve around their 'experiences' in pro/minor league basketball, and what their hopes and goals are for their own individual organizations/markets for the future.

While this 1st session is ongoing, you have two people off to the side, one who is taking notes during the meeting, and a second person who is
creating an updated AGENDA based on the notes taken.

After all owner have spoken, you break for lunch.

During the lunch break, the new AGENDA is drawn up, proofed, printed and copies made.

During the 2nd session of the day, you present the new AGENDA to the owners for approval ...

Have a person continue to take notes from the meeting.

And then begin the process of discussing the various topics in the AGENDA.

For each topic, you should open up the floor ...

For example, you might say, "We all agree that sponsorship can be key to any sports organization" ... "Does anyone here today have suggestions or ideas on how sponsorship, and what type of sponsorships, should be pursued by the league?" "Are there any potential opportunities out there, right now, in the marketplace, which could be explored, negotiated and executed into a regional, league-wide sponsorship deals?"

Ask the owners to briefly describe a relationship with an A#1 local sponsor and how their organization benefited through their partnership? Also ask these individuals if they would agree to conference with an appointee, at a later time, to further discuss those relationships.

Ask the attendees, if anyone has anything further to add or discuss on the topic of sponsorship.

Let the flow of the AGENDA conform to the above. This is a fact finding meeting!

At the conclusion of the meeting, Let everyone know that a recap of the meeting will be sent directly out to the attendees in a timely manner.

Take all the data, and start the process of formulating a plan to establish a framework for the league ...

[SignGuyDino]

I don't think a guy from Arizona, or more bluntly, John Guy from Arizona, is who we want to try to start a basketball league in the southeast.

[kahunakats]

You are mis-reading my posts. I am not trying to start a basketball league in the Southeast. I was contacted by people I have never met face-to-face and asked for advise and I thought it best to ask on the board and see what people thought should be passed on to these people. I am, in fact, involved with minor league basketball here in my hometown of Phoenix at present which is not so much a geographical leap.

[SignGuyDino]

Do we get to know WHO is starting this? I can assure you there's a handful of people some of us won't waste a breath on.

[kahunakats]

Sure, when the time is right. I spoke with Embry Malone who is very active in starting this league. Since I've never met or spoken with Embry before, I was impressed with his desire in building something worthwhile for the players. There are also teams from the WBA and the EBA who are committing to joining a new league for various reasons-mostly travel costs. From what I have heard so far from owners, many object to travelling long distances or excessive league fees (like the IBL's $22,000). Most complain that there is no due dilligence by leagues and that they are often left with blank home dates after teams fold before or during their seasons. BTW, thanks to The Magician for your input-I'll pass it on.

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

Embry Malone?!? I guess this means the Gwizzlies aren't interested in joining the CBA anymore.

[robster2001]

The new league's press releases will be fascinating, to say the least.

To say the most, they'll be barely literate.

As I was typing this, I had a vision of Embry Malone and Duane Jenkins joining forces on a new league.

...

...

...

Sorry, I was laughing so hard I couldn't continue. OK, I'll get back to this thread.

If Embry Malone is the driving force, the league is in trouble before the first franchise fee is paid. Malone's Gwizzlies are known most for bad grammar and for promises that are both outrageous and unrealized. Anyone who researches him will run far and fast from any league he organizes.

Then again... the ABA has proven there are many potential franchise owners who do no research. Seems only fair that Malone takes a shot at bagging a few.

[The Magician]

Sure, when the time is right. I spoke with Embry Malone who is very active in starting this league.

Screeching to a halt ... Hmm.

Since I've never met or spoken with Embry before, I was impressed with his desire in building something worthwhile for the players.

If I may ask, Is he asking you to become a financial benefactor?

There are also teams from the WBA and the EBA who are committing to joining a new league for various reasons-mostly travel costs.

Is this group of owners looking to establish a development/exposure league?

From what I have heard so far from owners, many object to travelling long distances or excessive league fees (like the IBL's $22,000). Most complain that there is no due dilligence by leagues and that they are often left with blank home dates after teams fold before or during their seasons.

Sounds just like the ABA :p

How many teams are they looking to have in their inaugural year?

BTW, thanks to The Magician for your input-I'll pass it on.

Let Embry, and other owners know, that there has been ongoing discussion here in Birmingham, AL, about establishing a NEW basketball league also.

Confidential Inquires can be made at sebahoops@yahoo.com.

[Wiffleman2009]

John, who is involved with the league? Also, where are the teams going to be located. What are the fee's to enter?

[wellington]

John, who is involved with the league? Also, where are the teams going to be located. What are the fee's to enter?

Just send The Magician a check for $500K and he'll give you a team. :-D

[The Magician]

Just send The Magician a check for $500K and he'll give you a team. :-D

Yes, Good old Mr. Green $ :mrgreen: