RIM exec picks up hockey club
What's a surefire sign that your company has survived scandal, moving on to become one of the predominant players in wireless communications, enterprise messaging, and hot phones with trackballs? Your CEO buys a sports franchise, that's what. In what can only be described as a proudly Canadian thing to do, Waterloo, Ontario-based RIM CEO Jim Balsillie recently scooped up the NHL's Pittsburgh Penguins for a cool $175 million from previous owner Mario Lemieux and pals. Though Balsillie and the NHL sound committed to keeping the team in Pittsburgh, it seems fitting that Hamilton, Ontario -- not too far from RIM's Waterloo -- is in search of an NHL franchise itself. We'll try not to get too wrapped up in the conspiracy theories, though; Balsillie's folks back at the RIM camp make enough on-topic news without us branching into the wide world of sports.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Josh @ Oct 11th 2006 11:58PM
Keeping the Pens in Pittsburgh was part of the agreement that Balsillie must adhere to in purchasing the franchise. They won't be moving anywhere for awhile (especially since a new arena will be in the works).
John @ Oct 12th 2006 9:42AM
Balsillie is only bound to keep the team in Pittsburgh if the new arena goes through with Isle de Capri, if not he is free to do what he wishes with the team. According to reports the Isle de Capri item may not go through. Balsillie is not bound by the supposed "Plan B" either, just the Isle de Capri thing.
james @ Oct 12th 2006 10:05AM
Dude, this was a week ago, what took you so long?