New Golden State owners Joe Lacob and Peter Gruber aren’t too far removed from their own experiences as a fan.
Lacob was a Warriors season-ticket-holder for more than a decade. And he’s determined to bring some fresh ideas to the operation of his franchise, which has missed the playoffs in 16 of the last 17 seasons.
The Basketball Jones blog reports that key in this will be fan contract that will be offered to potential season-ticket holders that will make the following promises:
1. The Warriors will make the 2012 playoffs. And if they don’t, ticket prices will not be increased for the 2012-13 season.
2. The Warriors will send a player to the 2012 All-Star Game. If they don’t, all season-ticket holders will receive an autographed piece of All-Star merchandise, and be entered into a drawing for an all-expenses paid trip for two to the All-Star Game in Orlando. The Warriors haven’t had an All-Star game participant since Latrell Sprewell in 1997.
3. The Warriors will win 25 or more home games. If they don’t all season-ticket holders will be invited to an exclusive two-hour autograph session at Oracle Arena with the entire team. Golden State last won 25 home games in 2008 and has missed the mark in 14 of their last 17 home seasons.
4. The Warriors will honor a risk-free renewal, with a 5% interest guarantee option for the 2011-12 season. That policy will be guaranteed with a 25% deposit payment.
Golden State has a nice young nucleus with Monta Ellis, Stephen Curry and David Lee after improving their win-loss total by 10 games.
Lacob and Gruber recently convinced iconic NBA legend Jerry West to come out of retirement to join their management team and even invest in the team.
And with the future of the Los Angeles Lakers cloudy, the Warriors could be poised to enter playoff competition in the Pacific Division.
Lacob and Gruber want their team to be in that mix. And they are willing to stake a contract on it with their fans.