But the threat of selling might not be the bargaining chip Appleby presumes. Brown said he is certain another Class A team would fill the void if the Wizards left. Local support for the Wizards has been more than enough, in Brown's view, to entice other teams to move here. The stadium is in excellent shape. There is plenty of parking.
Fans know what to expect from minor-league baseball.
Last season, the team drew 255,151, up about 54,000 from 1999. This is a marketplace for pro sports that will attract people. There are people who fall over themselves trying to get in this marketplace. This is still the early stages of conversations on whether to continue the current lease or make some adjustments in a compromise. It's a partnership, and we want it to be a win-win situation.