Hoops to be Inactive in 2003-04

Published on June 30, 2003 under United Indoor Football Association (UIF)
Ohio Valley Greyhounds News Release


Boise, ID (June 30, 2003) — The Continental Basketball Association League Office announced today that the Grand Rapids Hoops, a member of the CBA for the past 14 seasons, will be inactive for the 2003-04 season. Neil Elsey, owner and operator of Grand Hoops LLC, who purchased the franchise in the summer of 2002, recently survived life-threatening health complications that will prohibit him from continuing to operate the club.

"The CBA is saddened that the league will be unable to provide the wonderful fans and corporate partners in Grand Rapids with professional basketball this season," stated Commissioner Gary Hunter. "We have investigated every opportunity to play this season in the market that has been a cornerstone of the CBA since 1989, and we will provide the city with the second-best basketball in the world in the near future. Grand Rapids is essential to our growth and success as a league."

The CBA, in conjunction with Grand Hoops LLC, who operated the team last season, is currently negotiating with local investors, with the goal of solidifying new ownership and activating the Hoops franchise to begin play again in November of 2004.

"I would like to thank the administrators, coaches, players, corporate partners, and fans who supported the Hoops last season on and off the court," said Elsey, who is in the process of also selling his two other CBA ownership interests. "We were making progress and I would like nothing more than to continue to operate the team this season. I am committed to helping the Commissioner find a solid, local ownership group who will continue to add to the great history of the Hoops."

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