Hartman entertaining confidential offers to invest in Scorpions

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SAN ANTONIO — Gordon Hartman retired as a homebuilder, selling off his companies for millions of dollars, in order to focus his energies on special-needs philanthropy.

That's still the case, just not in the way he had expected.

Hartman says the majority of his time recently has been occupied by confidential discussions with multiple entities looking at investing in the Scorpions, the North American Soccer League team he founded several years ago to help fund his charitable efforts.

The Scorpions are believed to be the only pro sports franchise in the world that donates its profits to charity — specifically to Morgan's Wonderland, the special-needs amusement park Hartman built as a tribute to his daughter Morgan, who was born with cognitive delay.

Of more immediate interest to potential investors, the Scorpions play in a soccer-specific stadium, Toyota Field, which has a capacity of 8,000 but could be readily expanded should they earn an invitation to join Major League Soccer.

Gordon Hartman is “impressed” by how quickly and strongly interest in the Scorpions has grown. Gordon Hartman is “impressed” by how quickly and strongly interest in the Scorpions has grown. Photo: Bob Owen, San Antonio Express-News Photo: Bob Owen, San Antonio Express-News Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Hartman entertaining confidential offers to invest in Scorpions 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

In contrast, the MLS expansion franchise fronted by David Beckham has had major difficulty finding a site in Miami for a stadium, let alone getting it built.

Hartman declined to share much detail on the nature of his discussions, including how many groups have approached him about buying in.

He did describe the leading parties as “formidable,” indicating that they're willing to buy controlling shares — if not outright ownership — with the aim of guiding the club to MLS.

“I'm not really shocked, but I'm impressed that, in a short period of time, the level of interest has grown as strong as it has, and the caliber of people who are coming forward to discuss this,” Hartman said. “I'm appreciative because it bodes well ... for San Antonio to be explored with the opportunity of bringing another major league to the city.

“Some of the groups, in particular, with what they bring to the table, MLS would be very interested in their involvement.”

MLS plans to field 24 teams by 2020, with 19 in operation and expansion outfits already awarded to New York City; Orlando, Florida; Atlanta and Miami.

The Scorpions are part of a growing list of teams and cities that have expressed interest in securing the 24th and final bid, with NASL rival Minnesota United thought to be chief among them.

News broke earlier this week that a New York financier with ties to the gaming industry hopes to assemble a $350 million bid for Las Vegas. Austin, Sacramento, California, and San Diego have been mentioned as potential competitors as well.

With an 8-2-2 record in the NASL, including a 3-0 start to the fall season entering tonight's match at Tampa Bay, and an attendance average of roughly 7,000 per match, the Scorpions remain squarely on the MLS radar.

“There is no doubt that San Antonio has some of the most passionate soccer fans in the country, and we will continue to monitor the market,” MLS spokesman Dan Courtemanche said. “We encourage soccer fans to continue to support the Scorpions.”

But questions remain.

In addition to the size of their TV market — San Antonio ranks 36th nationally with roughly 900,000 television homes, smaller than every current MLS team and all four expansion clubs — the Scorpions' biggest drawback is the lack of financial resources to independently fund a potential move.

Conservative estimates put the figure needed to expand Toyota Field up to MLS specifications and pay the league expansion fee at a minimum of $110 million.

Former San Antonio mayor Julián Castro had been an aggressive supporter of the MLS bid. But his departure to Washington deprives the Scorpions of a key ally.

A source told the Express-News a recent feasibility study commissioned by the city concluded that MLS remains a viable option in San Antonio.

Hartman and Michael Sawaya, head of the city's convention, sports and entertainment facilities department, declined comment. But Sawaya said he remains optimistic MLS can work in San Antonio.

“We're just looking to see if the data still holds that MLS would be a good prospect (for San Antonio),” Sawaya said. “I still think it is.”

Hartman said city assistance isn't required for all of the potential investors with whom he's currently in discussions.

But it would make the Scorpions that much more attractive, which would, in turn, increase their chances of reaching the top flight of U.S. professional soccer.

Hartman said any profits from a sale will be used as an endowment for Morgan's Wonderland and his charitable foundation focusing on special needs.

dmccarney

@express-news.net

Twitter: @danmccarneySAEN