Sapper- that's one of the main points of the movement. We think that changing the name attracts more fans, sells more merchandise, drives up tv viewership.
All those things increase revenue and help make the team more viable in Charlotte long term.
Let's be honest, if the team continues down this path of being:
Last in the NBA in Merchandise Sales
Last in the NBA in TV viewership
28th in the NBA in attendance
Owner losing millions every year.
We won't have to worry about them Being the Charlotte Bobcats or the Charlotte Hornets because they will be the Seattle Supersonics. The lease agreement penalties are on a sliding scale and we can't expect any owner to sustain the losses this team continues to pile up and stay in Charlotte.
For me this movement is about energizing a fan base and ensuring we always have a home team to root for.
It would be silly for us to expect MJ to spend that kind of money without believing that there will be an adequate ROI for him.
Yea, I agree wholeheartedly. But this will be a business move before it is a move to appease (what I think) is a fresh, invigorating fan movement. I think his first step should be to send out surveys to past and present season ticket holders about a name change, and see what kind of response that entails. Ask past members why they sold their tickets/or didn't renew them and if a re-brand might persuade them to come back.
Ask present holders the same question, but phrase it as a 'would you support the team more or less if there was a potential re-brand'.
Then slowly expand the demographic to viewers/casual fans, etc...
Set up quick Q&A's outside TWC Arena for sold out games and see their response.
