NBA Sending Officials To Train Kings Front Office
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) -- Nine NBA officials have been sent to Sacramento to train the Kings' business unit on how to improve their performance.
NBA commissioner David Stern said the advisors were sent to work on every aspect of the organization, including fostering relationships with season ticket holders and sponsors, working with the media, and hiring for new positions.
Stern also said he will appoint an NBA representative to monitor updates on the effort to build a new arena.
The Kings have already set up their website and a 1-800 number to buy tickets and are planning a fan rally, but some long-time Kings fans say the news that business advisors are in town shows that the franchise is suffering.
"They've got the worst PR in the world," said Rick Bixler, the longest-running Kings season ticket holder. "Any way you want to look at it, their reputation was hurt. People here are big fans of the Kings, not big fans of the Maloofs."
The Maloofs announced Monday that they would not file for relocation and would keep the Kings in Sacramento for at least another year.
The league's decision to send in advisors is likely meant to protect itself and keep its brand for being diluted, according to Sacramento State business dean Sanjay Varshney.
The Maloofs may have also demonstrated their business savvy by forcing Sacramento to pitch in more money.
"With all the corporate sponsors pledging tons of money to keep them here, clearly they're asserting their value," Varshney said.
