Predators Bidders Meet NHL Execs

AP- Members
of the investor group trying to buy the Predators and keep the NHL team in
Nashville expressed optimism Monday they can soon finish
the deal after meeting with members of the league’s executive committee in

New York.

David Freeman
said in a statement that the interview seemed to go well. He attended the
session that was to include fellow investors Herb Fritch and William
“Boots” Del Biaggio, and said the NHL continues to believe in

Nashville as a hockey
town where local ownership is key to the team’s long-term future.

“We
informed the executive committee that we are continuing to make progress in our
discussions with the city and assured them we would reach a conclusion very
soon,” Freeman said.

“We
pointed out that the lease changes we have proposed will make the franchise
financially viable while accessing only money that would not exist in

Nashville without the
Predators and without substantial improvements in arena activity. We believe we
are on track to accomplishing that.”

Freeman’s
group gave Predators owner Craig Leipold a $10 million deposit in August toward
its $193 million offer. The group is trying to renegotiate the team’s arena
lease with Metro Nashville to give them more incentives to book more events
into the

Sommet
Center, making more money for everyone.

The deal
gives Freeman’s group exclusive negotiating rights with Leipold through Oct. 31.

Password must contain the following:

A lowercase letter

A capital (uppercase) letter

A number

Minimum 8 characters

;
SVGLogoHR_NOTAG-200

The Latest in Sports Video Production & Technology
in Your Inbox for FREE

Daily Email Newsletters Monday - Friday