Although the Walt Disney Company is no longer actively involved in the sports property owning business, Disney professional sports franchises, the Anaheim Mighty Ducks hockey team and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim baseball team, will be forever tied to the giant entertainment corporation. With this in mind, entrepreneurs can continue to investigate profitability in Disney-owned sports teams.

Professional sports franchises are a multi-million dollar industry, with the former Disney sports franchises included in the count. The industry remains an exciting venture that has attracted business owners for years. Purchasing a team, however, may not be a viable option for you. If you cannot traditionally invest in a professional team, you can yet benefit from sponsoring a team. Consider the following:

1. Are you following your passion? If you do not have a major interest in professional sports, you may have a hard time making a sports investment work for you.

2. Do you have the necessary capital or the needed management skills to invest in teams like the former Disney sports teams?

3. Is your geographical location an ideal one for marketing professional sports?

4. Can affiliation with the former Disney professional sports teams add value to your business?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Determine which Disney-owned athletic teams are a good fit for you

Evaluate your business image, needs, and financial situation and determine if your company can benefit from a Disney sports affiliation. Determine if the returns of a traditional investment are worthwhile and the synergy is something you can cope with. Examine your options.

I recommend: Register with CBS Sports Line to get team history and reports, playing schedule, and other information. Get franchise facts for Anaheim Ducks and Angels of Anaheim from Baseball Almanac. Subscribe to Sports Illustrated Online to get alerts, latest scores and videos. Purchase "Relocating Teams and Expanding Leagues in Professional Sports" to help determine market conditions.

Get pertinent information to determine your involvement with Anaheim Mighty Ducks

Getting to know the professional teams will help you determine which team you should sponsor and what type of support is needed. Acquire the skills necessary to provide for the team if your line of work is outside of the sports industry.

I recommend: Register with ESPN and review stats to get to know the team. Apply for membership in the Anaheim Ducks Fan Club to help form a strong support group, subscribe to the official podcast of the Anaheim Ducks to listen to interviews, and show general support by adding the Ducks Widget to your business website.

Get pertinent information to equip you for involvement with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Set aside your preference of hockey over baseball and determine if affiliation with the Anaheim Angels can benefit your company. Get to know the team and what it has to offer.

I recommend: Review stats from Yahoo to become familiar with team. Get involved in the Angels Fan Forum and offer support by purchasing an Angels Brick or starting a blog--or become an Angels Insider and receive inside-the-clubhouse stories, discounts on Angels merchandise and the latest ticket deals. Get involved in one or more Angels Community Programs. Visit Home Team Store and HSN Online to show support by purchasing Angels paraphernalia.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Investing in a franchise has certain risk factors. Research the market and be sure to get a good understanding of the risks and rewards involved in affiliation with the former Disney professional sports franchises.
• •  Investing in sports teams owned by Disney can cost a fortune. If you are still determined to pursue a traditional investment with a Disney team, you may want to consider a partnership with others having similar interests.