Page 109 of Ice Ice Maybe
“I agree, but one thing at a time,” Nolan said. “First, we need to keep the team from moving to Sacramento. I don’t want to lose my job, not to mention it would be a tremendous loss to the community if the Sea Lions Foundation were to be dismantled. The work Zena is doing there is beyond amazing. She hasn’t mentioned it, but she was just recognized nationally for outstanding achievements in the nonprofit sector.”
Surprised, I asked, “How did you know that?”
“I’ve been reading up on your programs and I’m quite impressed,” Nolan said. “I was going to mention it yesterday, but we were busy ruining your parents’ anniversary surprise.”
Vivian frowned. “I’ll take the blame on that one.”
“You don’t have to,” I said. “That was a disaster waiting to happen, long before you came along.”
Nolan suddenly bolted upright, eyes gleaming. “Wait a minute—that’s it!”
Rowan beat me to the punch. “What’s it?”
“Turn the Sea Lions into a non-profit corporation!” Nolan exclaimed, his words tumbling out in excitement. “Mr. Dalton could take the team public and offer shares. The fans would own the team, not your father.”
Rowan’s eyebrows shot up. “Like the Green Bay Packers …”
“Exactly!” Nolan beamed. “It’s perfect. I can’t believe I didn’t think of it sooner.”
I felt lost. “The fans own the Packers? Since when?”
Vivian chimed in, “Since 1923. The team was in financial trouble, so the community banded together and created a publicly owned corporation. Fans bought shares and became part owners!”
“There are fan-owned teams in the UK, Argentina, Brazil, in many places,” Rowan added. “You’re a genius, son.”
Nolan was on a roll and added, “It solves everything. Mr. Dalton loses the stress of sole ownership, the team stays in San Diego, and Zena’s non-profit expertise makes her perfect for the board of directors. Do you think your dad would be open to the idea?”
Hope filled my senses as I grabbed my phone and tapped his number. “Let’s find out. I’ll put him on speaker, and you can explain what it entails. Hopefully, he’ll be okay with it.”
Dad answered immediately. “Hello, sweetie.”
“Hey, Dad. I have you on speakerphone,” I said. “Nolan came up with a great idea that would allow you to give up your responsibility with the Sea Lions, without technically selling the team.”
“I’m certainly eager to hear it,” he said.
After Nolan explained the idea, we all waited with bated breath for Dad’s opinion. It didn’t take long before he burst our bubble.
“I appreciate the effort, but the NHL Charter prohibits fan-owned teams,” he said. “Even the NFL banned the business model after Green Bay did it.”
Just like that, the positive energy was sucked from Nolan’s kitchen. We sat there in stunned silence. I eyed the box of donuts again, ready to drown my sorrows in something fluffy and sugary.
“Hello?” Dad’s voice boomed through the speaker.
“Yeah, we’re here,” I said, deciding against another donut. “We thought we had something viable.”
Rowan piped up and said, “There has to be a loophole, some way to work this idea within the bylaws of the league.”
“I’m not seeing it,” Dad said.
“Hold on to your hats, folks, I’m pretty sure I found something much better than selling the team, and the NHL approved it in 2021,” Nolan said, studying his computer screen and then nodding.
“You have my full and undivided attention,” Dad said.
“Restructure the Sea Lions into a limited partnership,” Nolan said. “You would become a partner with minimal involvement, while a management company becomes responsible for day-to-day operations. A few hockey teams have already adopted this business model with great success. There’s no reason you couldn’t do the same.”
We all turned to the phone like it held the winning lottery numbers. The silence stretched, thick as playoff tension. I held up my hand, crossing fingers and eagerly waiting for Dad’s response.
Finally, he said, “Nolan, you might be onto something here. I’m aware of limited partnerships, and this idea certainly haslegs. Let me run it by my lawyer and get his thoughts on a restructure. I’ll get back to you.”
