If they had been part of the merger, could they thrive in those markets? Or were they doomed to relocation?

(07-28-2026 06:08 PM)Erictelevision Wrote:  If they had been part of the merger, could they thrive in those markets? Or were they doomed to relocation?

Louisville would have done fine.

St. Louis might have done fine as well. Or maybe they beat Buffalo in moving to San Diego.

I actually think Louisville might have relocated in the 1980s, as Jefferson County's population decline by about 3% between 1980 and 1990, and places like Miami and Charlotte would have been relocation options. The team would want a new arena by 1985-90 as well, although the current Yum! Center probably doesn't get built until later than it actually did a air would be replacing the late 1980s arena.

St. Louis would likely be fine

Tough to say. They’d probably need ownership groups with deeper pockets.

(07-28-2026 09:01 PM)Fighting Muskie Wrote:  Tough to say. They’d probably need ownership groups with deeper pockets.

Oh, absolutely. Would any of these cities be attractive:

Cincinnati
Pittsburgh
Buffalo
Kansas City
San Diego