Control of Sting turned over to WNBA

Dec 14, 2006 - 12:07 AM CHARLOTTE, North Carolina (Ticker) - The Charlotte Sting can no longer brag about their connection with the NBA.

Bobcats Sports and Entertainment, the group that owns the NBA's Charlotte Bobcats, announced Wednesday that it has severed ties with the Sting, turning operation of the franchise over to the WNBA.

The Sting went 11-23 last season for their third straight losing season. They have not made the playoffs since 2003.

One of the founding teams from the WNBA's inaugural season in 1997, the Sting are 143-179 in their 10-season existence, including 6-13 in six postseason appearances.

"We have greatly enjoyed our experience with the Sting, especially the relationship with our players and fans," Bobcats Sports and Entertainment president and COO Fred Whitfield said. "As we have changed our management structure, we have made the decision to focus all of our resources and efforts on the operation of the Charlotte Bobcats."

Although the Charlotte Business Journal is reporting that the Sting are losing $2 million annually, league president Donna Orender said that the WNBA is in active discussions with potential owners to purchase the franchise.

"The WNBA is grateful to the Bobcats organization, to the city of Charlotte and all the fans that supported the Sting for helping build not only the WNBA but the game of women's basketball," Orender said. "At the same time, we anticipate finalizing a deal that will result in new ownership for the franchise."

The Journal also reported that a move to Kansas City could be a possibility for the Sting, who averaged just 5,784 fans last season, ranking 13th in the 14-team league.