Semi-OT: Sacramento Monarchs are no more

[Wolfay]

The Sacramento Monarchs unexpectedly folded Friday.

Concerns for the Kings hastened the collapse of the former WNBA champion franchise, said team owner Joe Maloof.

"We love the Monarchs, but it's time to re-focus," Maloof said. "Everyone in this business environment ... you have to do what has to be done. Our focus is to turn the Kings around, and to do that, we have to put all our efforts and good salespeople on the Kings."

http://www.sacbee.com/topstories/story/2338081.html

I didn't care much for the Monarchs or the WNBA, but this was pretty unexpected, especially considering they gave Sacramento our first championship. I don't think this means anything for the Kings, but you can't help but wonder...

[Smills91]

The Sacramento Monarchs unexpectedly folded Friday.

Concerns for the Kings hastened the collapse of the former WNBA champion franchise, said team owner Joe Maloof.

"We love the Monarchs, but it's time to re-focus," Maloof said. "Everyone in this business environment ... you have to do what has to be done. Our focus is to turn the Kings around, and to do that, we have to put all our efforts and good salespeople on the Kings."

http://www.sacbee.com/topstories/story/2338081.html

I didn't care much for the Monarchs or the WNBA, but this was pretty unexpected, especially considering they gave Sacramento our first championship. I don't think this means anything for the Kings, but you can't help but wonder...

I don't think this is unexpected.

[pillwenney]

I certainly wasn't expecting it. I wonder if this is going to be any indicator of other teams in the WNBA? And I guess the Monarchs players just become FA's?

Anyway, I just hope this is a good sign for the Kings, and not a bad one.

[a-rod]

When i use to follow the wnba from time to time, they were fun to watch. hopefully they bring the team back when the economy gets better or when they build a new arena....

I certainly wasn't expecting it. I wonder if this is going to be any indicator of other teams in the WNBA? And I guess the Monarchs players just become FA's?

Anyway, I just hope this is a good sign for the Kings, and not a bad one.

dispersal draft...

[ICMTM]

I think it's just the truth. If you're not able to support your local team it either needs to fold or move. I think someone told me the WNBA doesn't even make money.

I think this means everything to the Kings. I think it is a clear sign to the fanbase that the owners aren't making the profits it needs (or wants) to operate here. If the fans aren't supporting the Kings either it may be time for the Kings to either fold or move.

I was looking at Rivercats attendance figures on Wikipedia and the Cats have averaged about 10,000 people per game. Through 31 games last year they were drawing 9500 people. I compare the Kings drop and the Rivercats drop to kind of check the market. Basically the Kings and Monarchs are loosing people in bigger numbers (percentage wise) that the RiverCats.

If the Kings want to bring people back they will get people in the seats with lower prices, a better business model, and showing support in the community. The Monarchs have been an afterthought and they really didn't enguage their business with the community. The RiverCats do! The Kings better, otherwise people won't come out.

[perezident]

That sucks... sad though, I hope all of their players get picked by another team...