The other franchise

[preeths]

We were told there would be another franchise coming into af2 with Fort Wayne this week. We're still trying to confirm a couple of well-placed rumors, but if true, it will be a bombshell. Stay tuned.

[mrcool92501]

is it ontario,calif???...in 2008 that is .

[rams80]

Lexington: not a bombshell at this point (although I think they'd help in the ownership group. Does Sam Adams want to run a third team into the ground?)

Tri-Cities: Hell, why not? Nobody went after them for Corpus Christi, and shoot, NIFL can't win a case anyway, even if you do have a torpedoed lease.

Actually can't think of any other teams within the league's geographic footprint; so it may actually be a new market.

[preeths]

That bombshell may be a dud. Just heard from the proverbial horse's mouth that it won't happen, or at least is not in process.

[preeths]

The bombshell was not a dud. The Tri-Cities Fever is moving to af2:
http://www.tri-cityherald.com/tch/local/breaking/story/8405335p-8300242c.html

[Malepig]

is it ontario,calif???...in 2008 that is .

Needs to be approved by the LA Avengers first.

[tony-o]

Um, Paul, isn't that the same newspaper that jumped the gun on the UIF story?

[preeths]

In the paper's defense, they didn't really jump the gun. They were going with the information provided by the team owner, and he had every intention of moving his team to UIF. Unfortunately, the arena manager would not allow a modification of the Fever's lease to allow the move. This time, he appears to be fine with it as both the team owner and the people seeking an af2 franchise will be satisfied. Plus, there are multiple sources reporting on this. May not be a done deal yet, but it has to be close.

[tony-o]

Oh, alright.

The move for Tri-Cities helps both the Fever and the af2. They have the natural rivalries with Everett and Spokane which will definately help out.

[preeths]

And don't forget Boise forming a nice little four-team pod in the northwest.

[rams80]

In the paper's defense, they didn't really jump the gun. They were going with the information provided by the team owner, and he had every intention of moving his team to UIF. Unfortunately, the arena manager would not allow a modification of the Fever's lease to allow the move. This time, he appears to be fine with it as both the team owner and the people seeking an af2 franchise will be satisfied. Plus, there are multiple sources reporting on this. May not be a done deal yet, but it has to be close.

I believe a large reason why the arena is fine with this move comes down to 3 letters...SMG.

[Pounder]

The schedule is out!

I declare a foul. This is a league just crying out for a Quad City vs Tri-Cities matchup.