from Paul Giblin of the Arizona Republic,

The prospect of buying the Phoenix Coyotes lured four investors from across North America to risk their reputations and fortunes in professional sports.

Just seven months ago, they didn’t even all know one another. But last week, the new partners’ investment group bought the beleaguered franchise from the National Hockey League for $170 million.

The four executives are well-established in the finance and energy industries, but they readily admit that they’re rookies in the sports industry.

During their first official Coyotes news conference at Jobing.com Arena last week, the new team governor, George Gosbee, was asked how running a sports enterprise differs from running other businesses.

“Well, we’re about to find out,” he said.

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