The zoo is a good place to set up. With Leonsis' encouragement, NBA superstar Michael Jordan joined the investment group in January. Jordan will become president of the Wizards and also play a role in the Capitals franchise. Washington Post writer Michael Wilbon joked in an Oct. 10 article. The entrepreneur is forging ahead with his game plan despite a shaky financial climate for hockey teams across the league.
Analysts blame rising player payrolls and limited television revenues.
The new Capitals majority partner admits he's trying to sell hockey to a city that has never really bought into the sport, despite the team's past successes. In 1997, the Capitals went to the Stanley Cup finals, but the following season, their fan attendance sunk to the second lowest in the league. Leonsis, however, was so sure he could create a winner, financially and athletically, that he refused to negotiate and simply paid former owner Abe Pollin his asking price. But in the end, I won. One November evening, the Capitals prepare to take the ice against the New York Rangers.