Once again, Abe Pollin has done a good deed for the city of Washington — it’s just been 10 years in the making.
The elephant in the room — or should I say Zorba? — with Pollin’s passing is what happens now with Washington Sports and Entertainment (Wizards, Verizon Center and Baltimore-Washington Ticketmaster).
Thankfully, that’s not up to much debate. When Ted Leonsis and his group, Lincoln Holdings, bought the Capitals in 1999 they got a good chunk of the WSE (44 percent) and the right of first refusal should Pollin die or decide to sell the Wizards.
Leonsis addressed this right in his statement on Tuesday, but deferred discussing it until later, except for this nugget: “That agreement established an orderly process for conducting that transaction and it is our intention to follow that process.”
This puts Leonsis on the cusp of being the most powerful sports figure in Washington.
Lincoln Holdings only started their gradual takeover of WSE with the Caps and continued in 2005 by acquiring the Mystics. The full acquisition of the Wizards and Verizon Center would put them as one of two ownership groups that own an NBA, WNBA and NHL franchise as well at the building they play in.
Pollin was very aware of who would succeed him and he wanted a person who cared about the fans of Washington and was committed to both sports and philanthropy.
There can be no doubt that Leonsis has proven over the last decade that he is not only the most fan-friendly owner in Washington, but might be the most candid and approachable owner in pro sports.
Pollin wanted a clean transition and his choice for his successor couldn’t have been a better.
Thanks for looking out for us, again, Abe.
