When the Game is on the Line

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.

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.