Some recent chatter about Cablevision breaking off a few of its properties -- Madison Square Garden, for one -- has led some to the conclusion James Dolan will be losing control of the Knickerbockers. Newsday's Ken Berger intimates Knicks fans will have no such luck."I would say the most likely buyer is probably some group headed by Jim Dolan, personally, because Jim seems to get a lot of pleasure out of those particular assets," an expert in the field of sports and media transactions told Newsday.If anything, Dolan will have more control over the Knicks, as he currently (in theory) answers to the Cablevision board. Of course, Dolan's chief problem -- one Isiah Lord Thomas -- has been exiled to parts unknown. There probably isn't terrible much damage Dolan can do with Donnie Walsh and Mike D'Antoni playing interference these days.
"Those assets are unique, and if you enjoy owning and running them, you're not going to get another shot at it. So I'm not sure why you would sell."
Can you imagine if the Knicks did hit the open market, though? Back in 2002, the Celtics sold for $360 million. I imagine the Knicks, with the market power of New York, a world-famous gym, and the extraordinary services of Wilson Chandler, would break $600 million ... which, coincidentally, is the Knicks' payroll after luxury tax this season.
