Ralph Wilson Died

[MikeO]

Donald Trump pissed off the NFL in the 80's. How many people are still around do you figure? Who holds grudges on things that predate them? I don't see Trump buying the team either but suggesting it is because of that isn't accurate I don't think.

Oh, a lot of grudges are held there. Trump can't be trusted that's the issue. Even if you saw the ESPN 30for30 a couple years back on the USFL he was still poking at the NFL and didn't think he did anything wrong. There is no chance in hell the NFL owners would approve him as an owner. Goodell doesn't want on his watch to let in Trump something the last 2 people who had his job had to deal with (Rozelle and Tagliabue.) Tagliabue was a lawyer on the case itself and he and Goodell are very close, no way Goodell lets that happen. He doesn't want that as part of his legacy to let this guy who made the leagues life hell for years just walk in the league and own a team.

[Cathal]

Who holds grudges on things that predate them?

The Middle East. 

[RichThrawn]

Rumors are coming out everywhere that he is putting together a bid to buy the team but wants to keep them in Buffalo

[MikeO]

The owner of the Boston Bruins Jeremy Jacobs is going to put the Bruins in his son's name and hand that over to him and then buy the Bills. He was born in Buffalo NY has businesses in Western, NY and is loved by the people in that area. He will probably be the next Bills owner. The Trump and Bon Jovi stuff make sexy headlines for newspaper but is unrealistic in every way.

[MikeO]

Little tidbit on the Sale of the Bills front...

One of the leading candidates to buy them Tom Golisaino who is believed to be one of the 2 or 3 serious bidders to buy the franchise said if he buys them he will build a new stadium and it will be a Dome or retractable roof. So that would be good for the Fins if they in the near future when travel to Buffalo never have to worry about playing in the cold and snow ever again. He even said even if he doesn't end up buying them he thinks any new owner will build a dome or retractable roof, just makes too much sense in Buffalo.

[RichThrawn]

Little tidbit on the Sale of the Bills front...

One of the leading candidates to buy them Tom Golisaino who is believed to be one of the 2 or 3 serious bidders to buy the franchise said if he buys them he will build a new stadium and it will be a Dome or retractable roof. So that would be good for the Fins if they in the near future when travel to Buffalo never have to worry about playing in the cold and snow ever again. He even said even if he doesn't end up buying them he thinks any new owner will build a dome or retractable roof, just makes too much sense in Buffalo.

The question is, will he renovate Ralph Wilson Stadium or tear it down and build a whole new facility?

[MikeO]

The question is, will he renovate Ralph Wilson Stadium or tear it down and build a whole new facility?

They are renovating Ralph Wilson now which is a waste of money since the NFL won't approve any sale without a new stadium condition as part of the deal. New stadium might be in Niagara Falls or a piece of land not far from Ralph Wilson now.

[masterfins]

They are renovating Ralph Wilson now which is a waste of money since the NFL won't approve any sale without a new stadium condition as part of the deal. New stadium might be in Niagara Falls or a piece of land not far from Ralph Wilson now.

It's not that big of a renovation, "only" about $150 million.  They are adding a large bar and new store to sell merchandise.  New video scoreboards.  Some larger entrances and concourse work.  Their current lease deal has them locked in to The Ralph for another six years, so the improvements are really minimal considering the age of the stadium.  Whoever the new owner is, financially the best route would be to keep the new stadium in Erie County.  I could see them building the stadium alongside the old one, just like they did in Foxboro.

[masterfins]

Well the Bills' sale is moving along, the lawyers for Wilson's Estate sent out a 7 page non-disclosure agreement to potential bidders.  Who received the material was not officially disclosed, but the following acknowledged they received it: Buffalo Sabers owner Terry Pegula, Donald Trump, and Tom Golisano.  Also, rumored to have received it were Toronto Businessmen Larry Tanenbaum (Maple Leaf Sports) and Edward Rogers (Rogers Communications).  Once the signed disclosure agreements are returned, then the prospective bidders would have full access to the Bills' financial records to prepare their bids.  The bids are to be submitted to Morgan Stanley, which will vet the bidders background and their finances before making recommendations to the NFL.

[MikeO]

^^Pegula and Golisano are the favorites. I would bet on Pegula to get it if he wants it. He has the biggest bank account

[masterfins]

^^Pegula and Golisano are the favorites. I would bet on Pegula to get it if he wants it. He has the biggest bank account

Agreed 100%.  Pegula has the cash and he has said publicly that the Bills should stay in Western NY.

[masterfins]

Well the first non-binding bid by the Toronto/Bon Jovi group was rejected by Morgan Stanley.  Money was low, financials were weak, and they did not have a clear plan laid out to keep the Bills in Buffalo.  It is now obvious that the Wilson Estate wants to insure that the Bills will stay in the Buffalo area.  Selling price is a minimum of $1 Billion.

[MikeO]

If Pegula doesn't get the team I would be shocked

[masterfins]

If Pegula doesn't get the team I would be shocked

No need to be shocked.  The Wilson Estate has agreed to terms with The Pegula's.