Viewer - The business side of the Blazers, with Allan Brettman and Jason Quick

The business side of the Blazers, with Allan Brettman and Jason Quick

Tuesday March 12, 2013

11:48

The Oregonian:

Hello and welcome to our live chat on the business side of the Blazers. Jason Quick and Allan Brettman will join us at noon. Until then, feel free to post your questions and comments.

Tuesday March 12, 2013 11:48 The Oregonian

11:59

Jason Quick:

I'm here ...

Tuesday March 12, 2013 11:59 Jason Quick

11:59

Allan Brettman:

Hi, I'm here ready for questions.

Tuesday March 12, 2013 11:59 Allan Brettman

12:00

The Oregonian:

Welcome, everyone. Let's get started. Jason and Al, what are your impressions of the new guy in charge Chris McGowan?

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:00 The Oregonian

12:00

Jason Quick:

I like him. I think he is sharp and unafraid to ruffle what has been the status quo

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:00 Jason Quick

12:00

Allan Brettman:

Straight forward, answers questions as completely as someone is capable.
Seems like a good guy.

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:00 Allan Brettman

12:01

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Isn't the best way to make the team more profitable would be to make them, you know, stink less....

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:01 Guest

12:01

Allan Brettman:

winning is indeed the best marketing plan.

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:01 Allan Brettman

12:02

Allan Brettman:

Regarding McGowan as "LA Guy..."

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:02 Allan Brettman

12:02

Jason Quick:

Of course, wins and losses are the best way for an organization to put people in the seats and make money. I think Chris, though, can help by creating bigger and better revenue streams through sponsorships and ticketing packages. But really, it all goes hand-in-hand, probably with more of an emphasis on winning

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:02 Jason Quick

12:03

The Oregonian:

Jason, are you noticing the "L.A. effect"?

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:03 The Oregonian

12:04

Allan Brettman:

His time in LA has been limited to work for AEG Sports. As an Army "brat" -- shouldn't the children of Army veterans have hired a pr firm by now to get rid of that term -- he's lived all over the world. He graduated from the University of Delaware. He made his initial AEG contact in Denver while visiting his parents, which is where they had moved after his dad's retirement from the Army. In short, McGowan is an LA guy by association only.

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:04 Allan Brettman

12:05

The Oregonian:

What's the latest on renaming the Rose Garden? Any takers?

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:05 The Oregonian

12:05

Allan Brettman:

The Blazers are working with Premier Partnerships to find a naming rights sponsor. McGowan has said he wants a sponsor in place for the start of the 2013-14 season.

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:05 Allan Brettman

12:05

The Oregonian:

Readers, what would you think of a new name for the Rose Garden? Would you object to a corporate sponsorship?

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:05 The Oregonian

12:05

Jason Quick:

Not sure exactly what that means ... He has brought in a couple of LA people, but I don't see what the problem is with that. Sometimes an outside perspective is good. And from what I can tell, McGowan is quickly becoming a "Portland guy" ... he is enjoying and experiencing the city, which will only help him understand what works

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:05 Jason Quick

12:06

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

what are the other three stadium that don't have corporate name sponsors?

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:06 Guest

12:07

Jason Quick:

Premier Partnerships specialize in finding companies to secure naming rights.

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:07 Jason Quick

12:07

Allan Brettman:

I asked McGowan on Monday about recent developments. He said the Blazers made a presentation last Wednesday to a potential naming rights sponsor. He would not identify the potential sponsor other than to say "they have operations here." So, the search continues.

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:07 Allan Brettman

12:07

Jason Quick:

The three arenas without naming rights are in Detroit, New Orleans and New York

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:07 Jason Quick

12:08

The Oregonian:

Commenters had lots to say -- nothing good -- about the Comcast deal and fans' frustration with feeling shut out. Any updates on that front?

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:08 The Oregonian

12:08

Jason Quick:

McGowan said he thinks the naming rights should be "bigger than a company putting its name on a building" ... he wants it to connect with the community... "I don't think it's as hard as people think" he said in January

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:08 Jason Quick

12:09

Jason Quick:

I don't have any substantial updates, other than McGowan and Peter McLoughlin up in Seattle are working on it. In other words, same ol', same ol

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:09 Jason Quick

12:09

Allan Brettman:

"I am going to work with our Comcast partners to get to a point where they help us come up with a solution," McGowan said on Monday.

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:09 Allan Brettman

12:10

Allan Brettman:

That said, they have a 10 year contract that started in 2007. "It's a contract," McGowan said.

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:10 Allan Brettman

12:11

[Comment From WestWest: ]

What's McGowan doing to bring in more fans? Is it more free stuff? Better prices? What?

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:11 West

12:11

Allan Brettman:

The Blazers estimate their potential market has 2 million customers in the geographical area. They also estimate that they are reaching 60 percent of their audience through Comcast.

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:11 Allan Brettman

12:12

Jason Quick:

It's not better prices ... McGowan just told Brettman that he is raising some prices next season .. Outside of that, I haven't heard any specifics

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:12 Jason Quick

12:12

Allan Brettman:

Specifics at this point are few. In broader terms, he's working on it. He'll be hiring more sales people for sponsorships as well as tickets. He's also going to hire a vp of marketing who likely will be a social media/digital whiz.

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:12 Allan Brettman

12:13

Allan Brettman:

I did ask him point blank: the floating car? Stay or go?

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:13 Allan Brettman

12:13

The Oregonian:

And?? What will happen to the floating car....

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:13 The Oregonian

12:14

Allan Brettman:

He hadn't given the floating car much thought but said most if not all arenas have one and he thinks fans like it. I told him I feel guilty when he stare at it throughout its journey.

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:14 Allan Brettman

12:14

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

What do you know about how things are between McGowan and Paul Allen?

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:14 Guest

12:14

Allan Brettman:

McGowan says they have a good working relationship. I know, like, what else is he going to say?

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:14 Allan Brettman

12:15

Jason Quick:

I can't say for sure, but haven't heard anything negative. He hasn't been told not to sit with him yet during games, so that's a plus

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:15 Jason Quick

12:15

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

That is a good sign.

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:15 Guest

12:15

Allan Brettman:

One of the fans who attended the first "State of the United" said McGowan and Allen have video chats.

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:15 Allan Brettman

12:16

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

What do you think of the new hires McG's made?

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:16 Guest

12:16

Jason Quick:

Too early to tell

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:16 Jason Quick

12:16

Allan Brettman:

Haven't met any of the new hires.

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:16 Allan Brettman

12:17

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

What about the guys he let go?

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:17 Guest

12:18

Allan Brettman:

I knew only Sarah Mensah, former chief operating officer, who resigned after his arrival. I admired Sarah's professionalism and willingness to help on the occasions I wrote about Blazers business.

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:18 Allan Brettman

12:18

Jason Quick:

I think they were all well-liked people, but McGowan felt there were too many "layers" ... or probably more directly, he felt like they weren't doing enough to justify their salaries. He says he plans to be a hands-on leader, and that he will absorb some of their workload

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:18 Jason Quick

12:19

The Oregonian:

So savings are an issue of course. Can you talk a little bit about the status of the franchise? What do you know about the team's financial picture?

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:19 The Oregonian

12:19

The Oregonian:

Will the Blazers be profitable this year?

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:19 The Oregonian

12:20

Jason Quick:

From what I understand they are stable. They have four big contracts that expire on June 30 - the arena management, the ticketing deal, food&beverage deal and radio deal. It's McGowan's first opportunity to really put a stamp on the financial side of the organization

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:20 Jason Quick

12:20

Allan Brettman:

I asked McGowan about profitability and he said the team likely will be profitable this year. The collective bargaining agreement will have contributed to that status.

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:20 Allan Brettman

12:21

Jason Quick:

McGowan felt like the organization was too quick to re-up previous deals without seeking competition .. that will no longer happen he said

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:21 Jason Quick

12:22

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

What other changes can fans expect?

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:22 Guest

12:23

Jason Quick:

Hard for me to say

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:23 Jason Quick

12:23

Allan Brettman:

Right now, McGowan says "the in-bowl experience is really good. It's really a loud builldng and fans bring a lot of intensity and emotion to the building." That said, he wants to "revamp the energy level on the concourse." No specifics, though.

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:23 Allan Brettman

12:24

[Comment From johnbrownraiderjohnbrownraider: ]

When will the Blazers organization begin to field a team that isn't "years" off of winning a title?

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:24 johnbrownraider

12:24

Jason Quick:

I think the ticketing deal with New Era will stay the same ... but it might be interesting to watch what type of deal emerges with the food&beverage. Blazers have had Ovations since 2005

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:24 Jason Quick

12:25

The Oregonian:

Folks are mighty quiet out there. What else do you want to talk about? We have about 10 more minutes. Don't wait to send your comments.

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:25 The Oregonian

12:25

Jason Quick:

I think they are a good 3-to-4 years from contending for a title ... and even then, it's going to take some smart and lucky moves. But I think this team can contend for the playoffs as soon as next season. Shoot, they are contending this year. I think Olshey is sharp, has a plan, and has shown great discipline in executing that plan

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:25 Jason Quick

12:26

[Comment From johnbrownraiderjohnbrownraider: ]

I have been a fan since the days of Brian Grant, why doesn't PA swallow his pride, rehire pritchard and his right hand man, someone who actually built a good team, instead of keeping firing and hiring so so gms, coaches and players

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:26 johnbrownraider

12:26

[Comment From BillBill: ]

Has Batum lived up to expectations

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:26 Bill

12:27

[Comment From Westside momWestside mom: ]

Seems to me you used to see more deals to get families in the stadium. Library rewards, special events with special prices. Has that really changed?

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:27 Westside mom

12:27

Jason Quick:

I think he has a pretty good GM right now in Olshey. For the first time in years, the team has outlined a plan and so far, has stuck to it. It will not sacrifice long-term financial flexibility for a short-term gain. That's hard for fans to swallow at the moment, but in the long run, it will pay off. It also helps to have a sharp eye in the draft - and I don't think there is anyone who would question Olshey's drafting of Lillard and Leonard

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:27 Jason Quick

12:28

Allan Brettman:

Regarding get families into the arena, it seems like those deals pop up often throughout the season. I know I took advantage of one in December, buying a package of 2 seats, 13 games for an average ticket price of $11 in 300 level.

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:28 Allan Brettman

12:28

Jason Quick:

I think Batum has lived up to his contract. He's the most well-rounded player on the roster. Before he suffered his wrist injury, I would say he was the team's most valuable player

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:28 Jason Quick

12:29

[Comment From BillBill: ]

Will Maynor be back next year?

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:29 Bill

12:29

Allan Brettman:

McGowan says he has heard from some segments of the season ticket holder base that they value of their tickets is diminished by the in-season deals like the one I bought.

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:29 Allan Brettman

12:29

[Comment From Westside momWestside mom: ]

So what's the best way to track down those deals? It's so expensive to take kids to games.

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:29 Westside mom

12:30

[Comment From DCansDCans: ]

Jason, how is Maynor in the locker room. Is he fitting in?

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:30 DCans

12:30

Allan Brettman:

Somehow I ended up on the Blazers email list. I suspect I ended up on that list by previously purchasing the occasional $8 ticket in 300 level through StubHub.

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:30 Allan Brettman

12:31

[Comment From johnbrownraiderjohnbrownraider: ]

What about national marketing for lillard and LA...seems like Portland is in the bottom of the heap when it comes to marketing their fanchise players. Broy was well respect in the league but not by fans, other small market players are much more well known than LA or Lillard. Other small market teams like Thunder and Spurs market their players fine.

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:31 johnbrownraider

12:31

Jason Quick:

Yes, I think Maynor will be back. But I don't think the Blazers will offer him the qualifying offer. It carries too high of a cap hold (almost $6 million) ... So I think they will handle it like they did with Hickson last year. They don't qualify him, but work to sign him. He has played great so far

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:31 Jason Quick

12:31

[Comment From SWSW: ]

Jason, Why aren't you writing more? Miss your columns

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:31 SW

12:31

Jason Quick:

I missed the last road trip, so it's hard for me to say how Maynor is fitting in inside the locker room.

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:31 Jason Quick

12:32

Allan Brettman:

These days, it seems like the sneaker brands lead the marketing charge. LA is a Nike guy, Lillard is Adidas. Nike has quite the full stable; Adidas focuses on Derrick Rose and Dwight Howard.

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:32 Allan Brettman

12:32

Jason Quick:

By choice, I'm not traveling as much, which has reduced the number of columns. After 12 years of covering the team home and away, I'm trying to find a life

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:32 Jason Quick

12:33

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Are the defensive issues a coaching issue or a player issue???

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:33 Guest

12:34

The Oregonian:

How have fans reacted to next year's increase in ticket prices?

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:34 The Oregonian

12:34

Jason Quick:

I would say the defensive problems are more player issues. The team just doesn't have a player to protect the rim, which is something the team knew would be a weakness after it failed to sign Roy Hibbert this summer. Count on it being a top priority this summer. Defense is also the biggest reason why the team is likely to let HIckson walk this summer. He doesn't play any.

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:34 Jason Quick

12:34

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

too many times during games I see the middle just open up and opposing teams drive unchallenged to the basket while players watch

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:34 Guest

12:35

[Comment From K.O.D.K.O.D.: ]

Will we see JJ next season in a Blazer uniform?

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:35 K.O.D.

12:35

Allan Brettman:

McGowan says "we are talking our fans through the price increase. It's not an exhorbitant price increase. Fans are understanding." It's a 2.5 percent increase for all tickets.

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:35 Allan Brettman

12:35

[Comment From johnbrownraiderjohnbrownraider: ]

Teams like Spurs, Thunder, Wolves seem to have no problems signing large name players, even Bucks and Kings do ok. Portland hasn't signed a big name player in forever, that they didn't draft or trade. Why can't we attract big name players, I heard we got passed over b/c the fact we didn't have a GM and the front office was in shambles.

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:35 johnbrownraider

12:36

Jason Quick:

I do not think JJ Hickson will be a Blazer next season. Yes, he puts up the numbers, but he is a poor defender and questions about his work ethic outside of a contract year

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:36 Jason Quick

12:36

[Comment From BlazeBlaze: ]

Any guesses who will be the next Pope?

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:36 Blaze

12:36

Allan Brettman:

Pope Catholic?

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:36 Allan Brettman

12:37

The Oregonian:

Of that we can be sure. OK. Looks like it's about time to wrap up. Any last thoughts, Al, Jason and readers, before we sign off?

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:37 The Oregonian

12:37

Allan Brettman:

It's up to the Cardinals fielding their positions with aplomb and following through on their delivery of white smoke.

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:37 Allan Brettman

12:37

[Comment From johnbrownraiderjohnbrownraider: ]

why can't we sign a franchise player?

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:37 johnbrownraider

12:38

Jason Quick:

The biggest free agent the Blazers have signed in recent memory is probably Andre Miller, but you are right, it has been a struggle. That's why it is so important for the Blazers to be conscious of their flexibility. They have to have the big $$$ to be a player in free agency because players aren't going to choose Portland over a Miami, Houston, or LA

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:38 Jason Quick

12:39

[Comment From johnbrownraiderjohnbrownraider: ]

They would if Portland wasn't a dead zone. They need to up the marketing team, put a better product on the floor, and get more national TV games.

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:39 johnbrownraider

12:39

Jason Quick:

I think Lillard will be that franchise player ... but why the Blazers haven't in the past? One, they haven't had the big free agent money in recent years, and two, Portland is a tough city to recruit NBA players to ... it's too wet and too white

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:39 Jason Quick

12:39

[Comment From johnbrownraiderjohnbrownraider: ]

Brandon Roy should have been a house hold name, right behind Kobe. Instead the all star voting Lomar odom was getting more votes.

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:39 johnbrownraider

12:40

Allan Brettman:

I cover sports business for The Oregonian, focusing usually on the sports equipment industries (Nike, Adidas America) in town, but with a keen interest with the Blazers and Timbers. Story ideas? Please send them to abrettman@oregonian.com. Good night and good luck.

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:40 Allan Brettman

12:41

[Comment From johnbrownraiderjohnbrownraider: ]

We have one of the richest owners in the league, this shouldn't be a problem, but some how they don't put much effort into it.

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:41 johnbrownraider

12:41

[Comment From K.O.D.K.O.D.: ]

We have the richest owner in the NBA. Is it not in his best interest to bring in expensive talent? Wouldn't there be a nice roi?

Tuesday March 12, 2013 12:41 K.O.D.

12:42

The Oregonian:

Thanks, everyone, for joining today's chat. See you next time.