MKE Sports & Entertainment has terminated its managed service contract with the Rockford Aviators baseball team.
Commissioner Bill Lee ruled that MKE Sports & Entertainments contract with the team violates the league bylaws because the owner of MKE Sports & Entertainment, Michael Zimmerman, owns multiple baseball teams in another league.
The decision states, Due to the fact that [Rockford Aviators] agent, Zimmerman, has an interest in the ownership, control, conduct and operation of at least two other baseball teams, namely the Prospect League teams in Kokomo, Indiana, and Jamestown, New York, [Rockford Aviators] is in violation of Article III(A)(4)s Cross Ownership provisions of the Frontier League By-Laws.
The Commissioner has ordered the Rockford Aviators be in compliance with the bylaws, or else lose their membership in the Frontier League.
This is extremely unfortunate and disappointing, and certainly not in the best interest of the City of Rockford and the Rockford Aviators franchise, Zimmerman said in a press release Monday.
MKE Sports & Entertainment signed a managed service contract with the Aviators ownership group to lead a 3-4 year turnaround effort beginning this season. The arrangement called for MKE Sports & Entertainment to oversee corporate strategy, marketing, food and beverage, ticketing, and corporate sponsorship.
A 3-4 year turnaround for the team was going to be an uphill battle by itself added Zimmerman in the release. But with the commissioners decision comes a significant setback for the teams long-term survival. We would have loved to have been a part of the Rockford turnaround, but we will honor the leagues decision and step aside. We wish the Aviators franchise and the Frontier League good luck in the future.
The Rockford Aviators are currently appealing the commissioners decision and maintain hope that a resolution can be negotiated.
MKE Sports & Entertainment cuts ties with Aviators
stupid rule ...
that may lead to contraction of rockford and the greys once again the fl shoots itself in the foot