Could an NBA contraction leave Charlotte without a team?

[Dpantherman]

A source close to the negotiations told CBS Sports that the league “will continue to be open to contraction,” which would eliminate teams in some of the less profitable markets.

Commissioner David Stern wants to cut between $750 million and $800 million in player salaries, and one way to do so would be to eliminate the most unprofitable teams.

The worst teams in the NBA the past two seasons, based on gate receipts, were the Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Milwaukee Bucks, Indiana Pacers, Atlanta Hawks and Charlotte Bobcats. Those teams would be the most likely candidates for contraction.

The league lost $380 million last season and is projecting a loss of around $350 million in the upcoming season, even with the increase in season-ticket sales during the summer.

http://www.nesn.com/2010/10/nba-considering-team-contraction-as-option-to-cut-operating-costs.html

[pantherfool]

Mike greenburg from Mike and Mike said it should be Memphis and Toronto. Thought he would mention charlotte but didn't .. BTW we had a pretty big jump in new season ticket sales this off season. I think our best days are ahead barring a FO meltdown ( which they are capable of)

[Implied Volatility]

I think Memphis and Indiana would be the first teams to go.

I don't believe Charlotte has anything to worry about at this point.

[Panthers128]

As long as Charlotte is winning games, that will translate to ticket sales. Teams like the Pacers and Twolves things will only get worse. Also New Orleans has poor tickets sales, I'm pretty sure they're right at the bottom too, dunno why they weren't mentioned.

[tarheelpride]

Charlotte won't contract as long as Michael Jordan owns the team

[cdandi1]

Bingo. Stern knows the promotion the league gets with jordan especially now that he owns a franchise.

[Zaximus]

Yeah, I don't think it would be us. I don't see them doing this to any teams, honestly.

But in our case, we're really young compared to those teams. It takes years to get a fan base, so we need more time, and they know this. Plus, this city has shown it can support a team, the Hornets sold out every game for like years, let the league in attendance I believe, so there's the evidence.