Nebraska Danger's future uncertain with talk of sale
GRAND ISLAND, Neb. — The Nebraska Danger may have played their final game in Grand Island, as the ownership announces the team is now for sale.
After nine seasons, Charlie Bosselman said it's time for his family's company to pass the ball.
“We're not in the professional sports business. It's a sideline. With the growth of our company, it's too much work on all my departments to execute it,” Bosselman said during a press conferences.
Bosselman Enterprises has Pump & Pantry convenience stores, truck repair shops, restaurants, and hotels.
He said the demands of an indoor football team take away from his core businesses, which have expanded into 23 states.
As he puts the team up for sale, there are several possibilities.
“Some of those include the team staying right here, others in the general vicinity,” Bosselman said. Omaha is currently the only other Nebraska city with an indoor football team.
The dynamics of the Indoor Football League have shifted. In addition to cities like Sioux Falls and Cedar Rapids, they’ve added teams in Phoenix, Tucson, and San Diego.
“A town of 50,000 people supporting a franchise like this is almost unheard of,” Bosselman said.
Bosselman said corporate sponsorships are difficult in a small market.
But he said Grand Island has positives, with a supportive fan–base, plus the Bosselmans have provided housing, food, and jobs through their company, and that could continue.
“It could be a number of scenarios where we're still involved in some capacity,” he said.
Bosselman said the team is not folding; Worst case scenario, they'll go dormant for a year.
Optimistically, he'd like a deal done in the next 60 days or so. He said the IFL likes to have team agreements signed by September 1 before fall league meetings.
He admits there are many question marks.
“It can survive, I think it can work in this market. That's not to say it might be a better option in other markets too,” he said.
Bosselman said he'll make every effort for the team to be on the field in February, but what field remains to be seen.
Earlier story:
The Nebraska Danger football team's future is up in the air, with management looking into selling the team.
Charlie Bosselman, the owner of the team, gathered a private press conference on Tuesday afternoon to discuss the team's future.
He said the company is pursuing strategic alternatives, in hopes that the team will continue either in this market or another.
He said they've already had interested buyers approach him about the team.
According to the Nebraska Danger's website, the team was added to the Indoor Football League in 2010. The team is based out of the Heartland Event Center in Grand Island.
