Tulsa World: Study targets Tulsa's interest in WNBA franchise

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Study targets Tulsa's interest in WNBA franchise
Survey to measure local companies' sponsorship interest.

By LYNN JACOBSEN World Sports Writer
Published: 7/22/2008 2:08 AM
Last Modified: 7/22/2008 3:19 AM

Survey to measure local companies' sponsorship interest.

A study is under way to gauge interest in the potential expansion of the Women's National Basketball Association to Tulsa.

CSL International asked the Tulsa Metro Chamber to promote the survey, said Sheila Curley, chamber vice president of communications.

"We are not in direct contact with a WNBA franchise owner, however the chamber is very supportive of Oklahoma's new NBA team and the exciting possibilities it opens to the Tulsa region," Curley said.

The survey's purpose is to ascertain the level of interest in sponsorship by local corporations.

CSL spokesman Jeff Patterson said the organization was asked to conduct a survey but declined to comment on who asked for it.

When questioned whether the survey was prompted by the recent announcement that Oklahoma City had secured an NBA franchise, Patterson said he had no additional information.

The WNBA has 14 franchises, including two in Texas — the Houston Comets and the San Antonio Silver Stars.

The league's season runs from May through September.

Clay Bennett, owner of the new Oklahoma City NBA franchise, sold the Seattle Storm to a group of investors in Seattle.

But since Oklahoma City landed its NBA team, there has reportedly been interest to land a WNBA franchise in Tulsa.

To take the survey, visit tulsaworld.com/wnbasurvey.

Lynn Jacobsen 581-8461
lynn.jacobsen@tulsaworld.com By LYNN JACOBSEN World Sports Writer

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	Report Comment 2curious, (7/22/2008 7:08:13 AM) Where are the "naysayers?" Seems they couldn't tell enough people how little impact the BOK center was going to have (and subsequently how few events would really consider Tulsa). Seems like they are slowly, but surely, being drowned in the evidence to the contrary. Keep 'er going Tulsa. The ballpark is not far behind. And with that, a plethora of events that will ultimately inject life back into the heart of the city.
	Report Comment OKLA, (7/22/2008 12:15:28 PM) Not sure about the WNBA for Tulsa. That would put us in a permanent backseat to O.C. in pro basketball I fear. We either need our own NBA franchise or perhaps an NFL franchise. OK, the balloon just went up. Who's going to shoot it down?
	Report Comment commonsense, Tulsa (7/22/2008 3:38:13 PM) Well this is a nice jester that proves Tulsa is striving to progress. But how well will the WNBA be supported in Tulsa with all the naysayers. Plus the WNBA don't attract to many fans, but would be some good entertainment for the area. Also this will be good for all the young teenage girls in the city.
	Report Comment charlestace, Tulsa (7/23/2008 1:31:43 AM) Let's try to get major-league sports that someone here would actually care about. The NBA team in second-rate Oklahoma City is, ironically, treating Tulsa as second-class citizenry by putting their miserable minor-league players here, which is an abhorrent insult to our city. And we don't need the WNBA, a league which I expect to fail before long. On the other hand, Major League Soccer is growing nicely, and Tulsa has already demonstrated its support for first-division soccer. If there is to be a big push to gain a "major-league" franchise, the MLS is the way to go.
	Report Comment 2curious, (7/23/2008 7:07:59 AM) charlestace: Good suggestion about MLS. I'm a football fan first...but think you're right about MLS and interest (at least in stadium attendance). MLS hosted at the new ball-park would be perfect. Plan it as specified, leaving room for expansion...entice MLS with possible interest in sharing the facility and then upgrade. Average attendance at MLS is just over 16,000...so with solid investors...it's not that much of a leap to consider. Might work. Worth a shot at considering.
	Report Comment WilliamTheArtist, (7/17/2009 4:34:36 PM) I think more Tulsans would be supportive of soccer than womens basketball. Would rather have our limited "local company sponsorship" go to soccer as well.

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