Report: Former Suns owner unsure city can support four pro teams
They love their sports teams down in the valley of the sun. But is there enough love to go around for all four major professional teams? Former Phoenix Suns owner Jerry Colangelo reportedly isn't sure, as a deeper investigation into Phoenix's viability as a major market unfolds.
According to the Phoenix Business Journal, Phoenix probably has one too many sports teams, and that's something that Colangelo recognizes -- and in some ways, was responsible for having happen.
"I felt we could grow into it (having four teams)," Colangelo said. "I was so bullish on growth." Sadly, Colangelo's use of the past tense is a specific one:
"There’s been a lot of water under the bridge," Colangelo added, in regard to all that's transpired economically in Arizona since Phoenix expanded to hold four major sports teams.
The Suns are safe, of course. Arizona is largely a basketball state, and Phoenix has a special place in its heart for the Suns. But the bottom line, according to sports marketing expert T. Bettine Cornwell, isn't pretty:
"When looking at sheer numbers, Phoenix probably has one more team than their market size would suggest," Cornwell told the Business Journal.
(h/t Phoenix Business Journal)