http://detnews.com/article/20100117/...downtown-arena

Better yet, the Wings moving into the Palace?

Don't bet against Wings, Pistons sharing downtown arena
Chris McCosky / The Detroit News

Detroit -- It is possible, perhaps even likely, that within this decade the Red Wings and Pistons will partner to build and share a sports arena in downtown Detroit, sources told The Detroit News.

Mike and Marian Ilitch, owners of the Red Wings, have not renewed their lease at Joe Louis Arena beyond this season, and face more than $10 million in structural repair at the dilapidated arena this summer if the team is to play there next season.

Going back to the Joe, it seems, is a last resort. So the Ilitches have been looking for a temporary home while they sort out, if, when, where and how they might build a new arena in downtown Detroit.

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The Wings and Palace Sports and Entertainment, overseers of The Palace, have been working on a lease agreement for over a year. The Ilitches toured The Palace in December 2008. The Palace submitted a five-year lease offer to the Ilitches, who made a counteroffer -- presumably for fewer years.

The Palace is still sitting on that counteroffer.

It might make more sense for the Wings to work a lease deal with Ford Field. If the Wings rented Ford Field, the Ilitches could keep all the ancillary revenue from their games in the city. However, there has not been talk between the parties to discuss that option.

Still, to move the Red Wings to North Oakland County could be risky. The core fan base is still Metro Detroit and Downriver. The Wings would rope in more corporate money by moving to The Palace, but would lose the Hockeytown atmosphere.

In the meantime, Pistons owner Karen Davidson seriously is considering selling the Pistons and Palace Sports and Entertainment. She already has had a conversation with NBA commissioner David Stern on the process and protocol for attracting potential buyers. Once she sells, there would be nothing keeping the Pistons tethered to The Palace.

There also has been a lot of chatter about the Ilitches making an offer to buy the Pistons and Palace Sports and Entertainment. They may have thought about it, but according to sources, Mike Ilitch is not a fan of the NBA. While he might be interested in The Palace, he has no interest in buying the Pistons.

So, in the end, it makes sense for the Pistons and Wings to partner for two critical reasons:

• In addition to the Wings needing a new home, the long-term plan at Palace Sports and Entertainment has been to build a new arena before 2020.

• With both organizations needing arenas in this economically-bereft region, it's hard to imagine either being able to raise the money alone any time soon.

Moving the Pistons back downtown -- something that has been debated for years and always rejected by the late Bill Davidson -- would create a huge buzz.

And The Palace still would be viable as a concert and entertainment venue.