By AP/KWMU
Kansas City, MO – Kansas City doesn't have a professional hockey team, but it does have someone who will own and operate one if a team becomes available.
William "Boots" Del Biaggio is the founder of a venture-finance company in California.
He has entered into a long-term lease with the Sprint Center to own and run an NHL team if one becomes available through expansion or relocation.
The $250 million Sprint Center is under construction in downtown Kansas City and is set to open next year.
Del Biaggio also is a limited partner of the NHL's San Jose Sharks and part owner of the United States Hockey League's Omaha Lancers. He's president and chief executive of Sand Hill Capital, a Menlo Park, Calif.-based venture finance company.
The Anschutz Entertainment Group will manage the arena and also is trying to attract an NBA franchise to the building, which will feature a National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame.