(WGR 550) -- Buffalo Sabres owner Tom Golisano's purchase of the team helped to keep the franchise in Western New York, and he turned down an offer to sell the team late last year according to a report from the Toronto Star.
Jim Balsillie, the Research in Motion billionaire, reportedly contacted Golisano in December 2007 with great interest in purchasing the franchise, but that Golisano would not sell the Sabres to anyone with any interest in relocating the team.
Larry Quinn released the following statement through the Sabres' website:
From time to time, we receive inquires about the possible sale of our franchise. Although it is not uncommon to receive inquires, it is the policy of our organization not to comment on them. However, we want to reiterate to all Sabres fans and our community that we have not and will not discuss the relocation of our franchise."
Balsillie attempted to purchase the Penguins in 2006 before inquiring about the Sabres., and also made great overtures towards the Nashville Predators. Golisano purchased the Sabres out of bankruptcy in 2003.
