From Deseret News archives:
Utah Jazz: Travel expenses hurting Jazz, other local teams
The state's largest pro sports organization, the Larry H. Miller Sports and Entertainment Group, which controls the Utah Jazz and Salt Lake Bees, has found that rising travel expenses have heavily affected the team's finances.
Jazz and Bees President Randy Rigby said that travel costs for the Jazz, who fly by charter jet, have increased by at least 10 to 15 percent in the past year. The minor-league Bees, who just wrapped up their PCL season, travel on commercial flights, and because of increasing airfares and extra luggage charges that many airlines have imposed in recent months, travel costs for the baseball team increased 20 to 25 percent, Rigby said.
The National Basketball Association and Major League Baseball have union agreements that leave team financial managers with few options to alleviate higher travel costs, Rigby said. The NBA agreement stipulates that players must stay in top hotels, and they usually travel on charter flights.
Finding ways to cut travel costs is difficult, so for now, his organization just has to "suck it up" and look for additional ways to generate revenue, he said.
Smaller pro franchises and college teams in Utah are dealing with travel-budget challenges similar to the Jazz, but the smaller organizations don't have the same financial resources at their disposal as the NBA team.
"The tightening of the economy has made us look to stretch a little harder," said Utah Blaze president Jason Jones. "We have to be a little bit more prudent to make sure there is a justifiable return on investment when it comes to expenses."
Because of league rules, his franchise doesn't have the luxury of making cuts on player travel or player housing. As a result, his organization is trying to keep costs down wherever possible in terms of day-to-day operations, he said.
Recent comments
It's been said, stupid story. It's kind of like Patrick Ewing's...
Ummm? | Sept. 17, 2008 at 5:58 p.m.
Sorry, even as a sports fan. I don't care. Talk about a slap in the...
Stupid Story | Sept. 17, 2008 at 9:01 a.m.
This might be the worst timed article of all time.
WTI Crude is...
Terrible Timing | Sept. 16, 2008 at 6:45 p.m.
- Festival of Trees includes roadster 2:14 a.m.
- Getting serious about seat belts 1:15 a.m.
- Witness describes '99 killing 1:15 a.m.
- Police increase presence at Skyline 1:14 a.m.
- Cougars cruise past Southern 1:03 a.m.
- Utes fall to Seattle U. at home 1:01 a.m.
- Utah celebrates Real Salt Lake Day 12:59 a.m.
- Y. focused on 10-win season 12:54 a.m.
- Thunder rolls by Jazz 12:49 a.m.
- Sloan remembers Abe Pollin 12:47 a.m.
- Utah, BYU are top choices for bowls
- BYU would like friendlier rivalry
- Protests against Phoenix LDS temple
- KSL: Prostitution in Utah County
- Best prep football games of 2009
- Man trapped in own body for 23 yrs
- Kirilenko climbing blocks list
- Witness describes '99 killing
- Boys basketball rankings
- 'Dancing' will fill out finale
- BYU would like friendlier rivalry
232 - Glenn Beck to enter politics?
224 - RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks
202 - Protests against Phoenix LDS temple
189 - Bronco, Kyle rubber match
137 - BYU records with win
133 - Letters: Rushing to judge Palin
122 - Hall, Johnson matchup key
102 - 4A: Timpview wins 4th in 4 years
93 - Cougars turn focus to dreaded rivals
90
On Tuesday, the Utes moved their preparations for this week's game at...
Maya was wronged. The trophy was stolen. The judges had to give him a 30 so...
Go Coug's I'll be there at LES and I expect a great finsh from Max Pitta and Co.
At least he won't be a stupid Junior. Has anyone played worse in the rivalry...
I was hoping they would win, but the were up against a lot of great talent....
I agree completely with your comments about Jay Leno. He goes way to far and...
I, too, think Mr. Gale does a great job with his articles. His...
We should drill more and lower the price globally for oil. Fine build nuclear...
No I don't own a poster of shirtless Jacob - but there is a huge difference...
Gary, What nonsense! Specify the emails that "prove" deception. You...
if you guys don't think soccer is a sport? then what do you consider a sport?...


