A fascinating insider's look at the people, politics, and power plays behind the mega sports deals
In "When the Game Is on the Line", Rick Horrow reveals the real stories behind the biggest sports deals of the past twenty years, over 100 of which he has brokered. Since early battles with infamous Dolphins owner Joe Robbie and a backstabbing Miami City Commission, Horrow has tangled with colorful figures in sports and government, including NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, Florida Governor Jeb Bush, golf legend Jack Nicklaus, and Miami Heat owner Ted Arison. The results have included new stadiums across America, league expansions, elite teams such as the Miami Heat-- and the bragging rights to go with them.
For anyone interested in the high-octane world where sports, business, and politics meet, "When the Game Is on the Line" is a must-read.
In an eye-opening lesson in high stakes politics, big business and civic responsibility, Horrow discusses the deals that create new stadiums and bring sports franchises to cities. In tracking his rise from first-year lawyer to multimillion-dollar deal broker, Horrow's narrative becomes at once a memoir, how-to business manual and self-help guide. Through a series of trial-and-error attempts to lure pro sports to his home city of Miami, Horrow takes readers through the crucial steps that helped him create his trademark public-private partnerships, which have satisfied billionaire investors, local politicians, league officials, inquisitive lawyers and skeptical taxpayers in cities like Boston, Cleveland and Oklahoma City. Horrow, though a cagey bargainer when it comes to his deal brokering, is refreshingly honest when portraying sports big shots like golfer Jack Nicklaus, NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue and franchise owner Art Modell. Always the dreamer with an eye on the prize, Horrow (with help from journalist Bloom) makes a strong case for tying arts projects and infrastructure financing to team and stadium investment to create civic pride and rejuvenation. His infectious energy and positive spirit make this a must read for anyone interested in the sport of business and the business of sports.
“. . . Horrow’s single-minded focus comes with an unshakable belief that his work is of clear benefit to each city, with inevitable economic development resulting from these projects.” -- Miami Herald
“An eye-opening lesson in high stakes politics, big business and civic responsibility . . . [Horrow’s] infectious energy and positive spirit make this a must-read for anyone interested in the sport of business and the business of sports.” -- Publishers Weekly
“A fascinating examination of the considerable realm where sports and business overlap, a world of big egos combined with multimillion-dollar agreements. The author’s credentials are impressive. . . An insightful read on the art of negotiating in any realm.” -- Library Journal
“Sparks of insight . . . ” --Newsweek
“Rick Horrow was instrumental in founding the Miami Arena and the process that brought the Miami Heat to South Florida. Taking into account American Airlines Arena, the 2006 NBA Championship, and the "Big Three," the Heat is now one of the league's most storied franchises. To understand how we got to this point, we need to go back to our roots. "When The Game is On the Line" does just that.” -- Eric Reid, Director of Broadcasting, Miami Heat
“For sports leagues and their franchises to be successful, strong public-private partnerships need to be created across a wide spectrum of activities. When it comes to public-private partnerships relating to sports facilities, Rick Horrow knows the terrain and has helped bring many of these projects to fruition for the benefit of fans, teams, and communities.” -- Paul Tagliabue, Commissioner of the National Football League
“I’ve known Rick Horrow for many years, from our work together within Jack Nicklaus’s organization to our efforts to bring professional baseball to South Florida. At no time since I first shook his hand have I seen his passion for sport waver, nor his determination to champion a cause diminish. He is a true sportsman to the end.” -- Mike Schmidt, National Baseball Hall of Fame, Philadelphia Phillies
