Two more trademarks were filed by TGL Holdings on Thursday, hinting at possibly more expansion options for the league. The company on Thursday filed for trademarks to “Chicago Links Golf Club,” as well as “Texas Golf Club.” Earlier this week, TGL filed for a “Motor City Golf Club” trademark, leading to speculation about a Detroit franchise.
The AP reported last month that a Dallas group was planning a bid for a franchise with a total investment of $77M.
Beyond the trademark filings, one source said to expect involvement from Golden Knights owner Bill Foley and a Las Vegas team. The same source pegged team valuations around $75M.
Speaking at SBJ’s CAA World Congress of Sports two weeks ago, TMRW Sports co-founder Mike McCarley said progress had been made on expansion and that he was “pleasantly surprised” at the number of bidders. McCarley also said TGL would likely start with one expansion team and “then it’ll grow from there.” McCarley said the expansion bid would come from North America.
TGL recently retained Proskauer for the expansion process. Other pro sports organizations that have had representation at matches this year include the Vikings; MLSE; S.F. Giants; Ravens; Capitals/Wizards; Penguins; and members of Ackerley Sports Group, the Seattle shop that has a stake in the Kraken as well as TMRW.
TGL declined comment, citing an ongoing process.
