Favre = Zygi selling Vikes?

[LMITOUT]

Could the Vikings’ decision to acquire quarterback Brett Favre mean that the team is for sale? At least one sports money expert thinks so.

Mike Ozanian of Forbes.com believes that the arrival of Favre means that Zygi Wilf wants to unload the franchise.

“The organization has been a laughingstock for the NFL and Wilf desperately wants to create some positive buzz for his team,” Ozanian writes. “The Vikings play in the antiquated Metrodome and Wilf’s gamble was that he would get taxpayers to build him a new stadium. Taxpayers repeatedly said no way.”

Ozanian thinks that Wilf has waited to long.

“He could have gotten around $850 million for the team a year ago,” Ozanian opines. “But with at least seven NFL team owners looking to sell their teams right now Wilf will be lucky to get $750 million for his debt laden team. Let the laughing continue.”

We’re not ready to agree with the notion that Favre’s presence will result in the placement of a “For Sale” sign at team headquarters. If Favre were a decade or so younger, having him under contract over a period of several years might make the team more attractive to a potential buyer.

But this move — even though Favre’s contract might have a two-year duration for cap purposes — is most likely a one-season arrangement. Whoever buys the team wouldn’t have Favre on it.

So we think Favre’s arrival arises from the reality that coach Brad Childress is on the hot seat, and that Favre gives Childress a better chance to remain employed into 2010.

That said, there’s a chance that Wilf has agreed to pay Favre because Wilf has decided to load up the cannon and aim for a league title in 2009. Then, he can try to leverage the success into a new stadium, and he can sell the team if it doesn’t happen.

Still, while winning a championship would definitely create some positive buzz, the Vikings seem to be on the short list of favorites to play in the Super Bowl every three or four years — and when they are they consistently underachieve.

[Scott K]

Did you write that?

That sounds pretty out there if you ask me!

[harvey lee]

I would be shocked if Zigy would try to sell the Vikes at this time. After a couple good seasons, then maybe. I do believe the Vikes will have a new stadium in 3 years.

I also believe that in a few years, he could get the money he wants for a huge profit. At this time, maybe not.

Now, I have been wrong before but I guess we will just have to wait and see.

[toughguy]

I know Ziggy is a big real estate guy. With all of the loses in real estate these days I could see that as motivation to sell the team. I don't think adding Favre would have anything to do with selling the team. He would want the stadium sold out regardless of whether he is trying to sell or not. I hope he keeps the Vikings. He's willing to spend the $$ and take risks. There aren't any other pro franchises in town that do that.

[B. Amish]

these owners all fall into two categories. those that run the organization to win and those that run the organization to make money. only a few have figured out how to do both.

[Sandmannd]

I have NFL mobile on my sprint phone and got the same update sent to me. Who knows? Probably someone feeding the media.

[eyehunter]

It was a Dude that writes for Forbes Magazine that wrote it. What would he know about football....

[HarleyK50]

That does not even make sense. Who would win a championship and just sell the team. If the Vikings win the big one this year that "antiquated" staduim will be stuffed to the gills for at least two more seasons, that equals BIG money two MR. Wilf.

What does Favres presence have to do with the marketability of the franchise? NOTHING. His salary will be paid for by all the sold out games this year, Minnesotans will want to watch this guy play, especially FOR Minnesota. Even if not to win a championship signing Favre is a great Business move, it will fill our "antiquated" stadium, and "drum up excitement."

I was not aware that Forbes had entered the tabloid market. Their sales must be down as of late, becuase that is a bunch of bull.

[zamboni]

First they are moving to LA, now they are going to be sold. Someone wake me when the season starts

[Sandmannd]

Yea, one drama speculation after another.

[FISHINGURU]

yawns

[Rick]

The guy who wrote this, Michael K. Ozanian, is the laughingstock around anyone who covers sports.

Yawn....

[bassNspear]

lol, glad we got this one out of the way!

[LMITOUT]

We have?

Next week after Favre is officially announced as a member of the team you'll see this in front of the Dome:

[DLV]

it just seems fitting to me that a PACKER will lead the vikqueens to the promise land. "GO FARVE NATION"

[traveler]

uhh....Farves not a packer. Used to be, but no more. deal.

[walleyes12]

it just seems fitting to me that a PACKER will lead the vikqueens to the promise land. "GO FARVE NATION"

You must of forgot, the cheese didn't want him anymore! So he is not a Cheesehead anymore. Anyways its good to let your feelings out, it helps with the grieving process!!!

[harvey lee]

I would guess that Zigy would sell the team for twice the money when they get a new stadium. Until then, no sale as the Farve is not a selling point.

[Jim Uran]

He may inflate the price for a month or two but beyond that there is no way.

[james_walleye]

You mean the guy the packers didnt want around anymore?? LOL. Please, if Favre were to take the vikings to the superbowl the joke is on the packers.