It happens almost every year. Pundits, podcasters and sportswriters start spreading rumors that the New Orleans Pelicans franchise is on the verge of packing its bags and moving to another city. The reasons are always the same. The fan base “on the bayou” is weak. The market is too small. The lease on the Smoothie King Center runs out soon. The Benson operation can only handle one professional sports team. Louisiana is football country.
There was chatter of relocation last year after the Pelicans flamed out in the Orlando bubble. New Orleans had high hopes for a late season comeback, but for Alvin Gentry, Disney World is apparently where dreams go to die.