Thrashers owners in talks with Winnipeg group: report
The group that owns the Atlanta Thrashers is reportedly negotiating with Winnipeg's True North Sports and Entertainment on a potential sale of the NHL team.
The Atlanta-Journal Constitution, citing "a person familiar with the NHL's sale process," reported on its website Monday that talks are taking place between True North and the Atlanta Spirit group, but no deal has been reached.
According to the report, NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said in an email that there was "nothing I'm prepared to say at this point."
A True North spokesperson declined comment to CBC Sports' Teddy Katz.
The Atlanta Spirit group, which also owns the NBA's Atlanta Hawks and Philips Arena, has been looking to sell the Thrashers for years, claiming losses of $130 million US since it bought the team in September 2003. A viable local buyer has not yet emerged, sparking speculation the team could be on the move.
Thrashers president Don Waddell told The Canadian Press on Monday that the team is exploring "all options" for new owners.
If the Thrashers were sold to True North, the franchise could be relocated to Winnipeg as early as next season.
True North, led by billionaire David Thomson and Winnipeg businessman Mark Chipman, was reportedly interested in buying the Phoenix Coyotes and moving them to Winnipeg. But officials in Glendale, Ariz., voted last week to cover up to $25 million US of the NHL-owned team's losses next season, keeping it in Arizona for at least one more year.
Winnipeg has been without an NHL team since the Jets moved to Phoenix in 1996.
