What Mike Ilitch Would Mean to the Pistons

            Today, Red Wings & Tigers owner Mike Ilitch announced what many in the city privately already knew; he has an interest in purchasing the Detroit Pistons. Ever since Karen Davidson spoke of her intentions to sell the team back in January,  Ilitch became an obvious buyer.

            Ilitch’s Detroit sports empire has become the toast of the town as of late. While the Red Wings continued to sport their dominance after their 80’s-era dormancy, the middle of the previous decade brought new life to a Tiger’s team, which almost broke the league record for most losses just a few years prior. When rumors began to swirl that NBA Commissioner, David Stern, wanted a team in Las Vegas, many Pistons fans began to worry that, like the Shock (of the WNBA), Detroit would be loosing another sports franchise.

            Ilitch’s interest in the Pistons may be vested. He said in his recent release, “When I read in the paper there was the chance that this great sports town could lose one of its professional sports franchises, I just didn't see how we could let that happen … The Pistons, just like the Red Wings, Tigers and the Lions, have a rich and storied tradition in this community and they've brought pride to fans and our community.” While there is now doubt that he is rooting for the team to stay in the area for community sake, he has a lot to gain from the team staying as well. Despite all the good that Bill Davidson brought to the team, forgotten is the fact that he wanted little to do with the city proper. He built his “Palace [of Auburn Hills]” far away from the city, and unlike Ilitch or Detroit Lion’s owner, Bill Ford, was rarely present in major city functions. Ilitch loves the city proper. He has fought on several occasions to keep the Red Wings in the city, despite the problems of Joe Lewis Arena. When he wanted to build the Tigers a new stadium, he did all in his power to keep them in the city, and even moved them right across the street from the Lions.

            Ilitch knows he needs a new stadium for the Red Wings, but can clearly see the current financial problems of the city. He has on numerous occasions floated the idea of building a new stadium for his beloved Red Wings only to marginal, at best, support. Enter the Detroit Pistons. If he were to propose a joint stadium for the two teams, voters and city officials would me much more likely to support it, making it a viable option. With the money Ilitch plans to invest in a new light rail system in the city, he would like to more fully corner the revitalization of it.

            So why now? Why wait until three months before Davidson’s ideal sell date to announce your intentions?  Timing is everything. After watching the Golden State Warriors sell for $450 million dollars, at 40% over the Forbes expected value, and realized that the Detroit market will not produce the same amount of Billionaires to attempt to outbid each other like in Oakland. So despite the Piston’s expected value of  $479 million, they would likely sell for far less. Enter the split of the Pistons holdings. When late husband Bill Davidson decided to move the team out of the city, he did not sign another lease, but rather built his own stadium. Until recently, everyone expected that Karen would sell the whole package (the team, the stadium, and all other holdings) as one, but recently she leaked that the team could be had by itself, which A. re-sparked the Pistons to Las Vegas rumors and B. fired up Mike Ilitch. Now he could buy just the team and move them in with his Red Wings without having to find something to do with the Palace, which sits over an hour drive away. Karen could then sell the Palace Sports and Entertainment moniker, which includes The Palace, DTE Energy Music Theatre and Meadow Brook Music Festival separately, and thus adding more bidders and possibly getting closer to that $479 million figure she would like.

            Despite his family’s lack of interest in the sport of Basketball, Mike Ilitch owing the Pistons might just be the best thing for all parties. Davidson would get her sale, Ilitch would get his stadium for the Red Wings, the city would get back the team, and the fans, who have suffered through thought times, would not have to suffer another blow through the loss of a beloved and relatively successful, sports team. It makes “cents” for all to watch Mike Ilitch “[basket] ball.”