That is my email address – starting today - regarding the Washington Wizards. Washingtoncaps@aol.com is for use by Washington Capitals fans as usual.
If you want to offer up advice; share ideas; critique; ask questions; or offer up good wishes regarding the NBA and the Washington Wizards, simply email me at Thewashwiz@aol.com. I will do my best to read and respond within 24 hours.
Thanks again. Be nice. Be interactive.
I know that you[Mr.Leonsis] are trying to see what you have but I strongly believe we need to trade Blatche and draft Terrence Jones or Jared Sullinger. I would pfer Jones because I believe he would be a better fit for what I believe the franchise is trying to do.
Hi Ted! I’m working for the school newspaper and I have a few questions. 1.Are you going to change the team’s name? {I think you shouldn’t} 2.Do you have any stratagies to go to the Championships? 3. How long do you plan on coaching the Wizards. 4.Do you plan on trading anybody? That’s all of the questions. Hope you anwser!
We consistently talk about building a franchise that will bring the fans. Fans want to admire their squad and enjoy everyone’s success, not just one man.
We continue to deface the value of a Gilbert Arenas or other team mates, whether be it media, not enough exposure, etc. If no one has noticed, Gilbert’s whole thing has been and always be to be adored by those who are around him. The more we push him away the more he creates a disinterest, but at the same time looses the value of how important this organization can be for him and him for you. We have to stop being politicians and start thinking as “Champions” do!!
Gilbert is an All-Star and will always be…. We have to market him that way, regardless of new blood “IE” John Wall or regardless of past doings, we have a chance to have a combination that could do serious damage in a short time if we seriously appreciate what we have and what they can do together if we value them that way. Money isn’t the value for those who are going to say they pay them big to do a job, so there shouldn’t be any emotions involved. We’ll i guarantee you paid or not, anyone would do have a greater effort if they felt someone appreciated them just a little more than I’m a piece of meat.
Ted Leonsis has a vision bigger than most. I appreciate that vision more than you will ever know as a fan. Ted is one of the few you can honestly say is a man first, than a business man second.
But long terms visions must come with long term insertion of value. The value that can be created with the combination of John Wall and Gilbert along with the entire team would not only bring the fans back and fill seats.. It would also change the perception the media has of the Wizards as an organization. The Wizards are treated like a second class organization because we allow the media and anyone else who wants to make a name for them self off the Wizard family.
More exposure from everyone of positive togetherness will allow the fans to heal and bring an abundance of support that would bring an abundance of confidence to a team that still is lacking the identity and togetherness a team needs in order to create a championship type caliber team and atmosphere. I like to call the media the “Empire”. They love to twist words turn people against other people while thriving of situations that are never as serious as they make it. They than love to feed that to the public, letting the public think that an organization is in shambles, when that’s far from the case. I love this area, grew up here all my life.. and have loved the Redskins, Wizards, Capitals, all my life. We have to take time to love our city if were going to embrace everything that comes with it.
I feel the teams theme should be ” We Are One”… We play together.. We stay together until there is only us standing… The fans will be one with the team the team will be one with fans and management, coaches, city, and anyone associated or attached to the Washington Wizards..
Mr. Leonsis i beg you to fight for those who would fight for you if they believe truly in their heart of hearts you are the man you say you are. We have to remember we are human beings first. You should know this more than anyone based on the road/journey you took getting to where you are. No one can do it alone!!!
” WE ARE ONE” We play together, We stay together until the end…
Dear Sir,
I was so inspired by your presentation today on Fox News. My dream is to either write an animation or host a social website-can you please start me in the right direction on how I can have a social network.
Thank you sincerely,
Juanita
I saw your interview Sunday and though I’m a San Antonio Spur fan I wish every owner in all sports had your types of views and personality. Its the fans who make the team!
Thanks.
From SA to you
Mr. Leonsis- Congrats on your majority stake in the Wizards! It is my hope that this team gets turned around quick.Build smartly through the draft and avoid if possible signing free agents. I think with Wall coming on board and the addition of a couple of smart 2nd round picks it would be a good start.
I think this will put you in front of the curve in the league. The leaque needs to go forward with a hard cap. For the sake of the sport and the fan base it has to happen. Good luck, and thanks for your open line to the fans.
Best regards,
Rick Vandegrift
I do have a question about how to get a nasty grass stain out of my jeans… I do have the right address right? TheWASHwiz@aol.com?
Great to see that the Wizards will be heading in the right direction again!
Mr. Leonsis – I am a long-time fan of the Wizards and Caps. After seeing the terrific job you have done with the Caps, I am very happy that you have taken over the Wizards.
I do not understand why you would want Arenas on the team. He singlehandedly and selfishly ruined not only last season but also the entire team. He is not one of the top players in the league. He evolved into a “one minute player.” The only thing he cares about is the last 15 seconds of each quarter when he has the ball and takes the buzzer shots to be the big hero. For every one he makes, he misses 20 of them. He continually forces up bad shots and won’t pass to wide-open teammates. Please get rid of him. Thank you.
Ted, I received the open letter you sent via email to Wizard fans on June 10, 2010. As a fan, I hope you will trade Gilbert Arenas. His attitude and character do not fit with what I want on my team. And, frankly, I think he’s already past his prime due to his knee injury. Let’s trade Arenas and start fresh. Go Wizards!
I don’t know squat about hockey and at year’s end I was keeping up with the Capitals every single day. I hate to say, “Wait till next year” but I believe OUR time is coming. (Note that I now put myself in the Capitals camp.)
Basketball, on the other hand, is something I think I know reasonably well. It’s in the blood. I am proud that my mother played on her high school team in rural Tennessee in the late ’20′s. Lots of members of our family have followed, both boys and girls. I have followed the Bullets/Wizards (at times religiously) since the Dick Motta days.
Being from TN I am a big fan of women’s basketball, what with the University having Pat Summitt and all. That’s why I embrace the Mystics and feel the coverage they get these days is an injustice to basketball fans.
Did I say TN? I remember well the “Ernie and Bernie” days and it pleases me that you are giving Ernie his chance to create another team in DC. He got one that was fine on paper but not on the court. Give him three years to prove that he can do better next time.
Thanks, Ted. I guess my summer reading assignment will be The Business of Happiness.
can you please change the name of the franchise; you have the:
dc. united
washington capitals
washington nationals
washington freedom
PLEASE change the wizards name to something patriotic: how about the Washington Monuments, or the Washington Senators, or the Washington Presidents
If you dont change the name now, will you ever?
Congrat!!! Mr Leonsis, this is a great day and time to be a true fan of the bulletts/wizards. I have suffered for so long with this franchise but with you as owner i feel we are in great hand’s. I loved Mr. Polin but he i felt had the wrong people in place to turn this team around for the better of it. his loyallty to the people around him clouded his decision making for year’s. but his contrabution’s to the city of Dc is his greatest acomplishment’s. he deserved better. Ted get John Wall in here and let’s turn this thing around. it’s so much i want to say but for now may God bless our Wizard’s and the Leonsis family.
Hey Mr. Leonsis, I’m happy that you’re our new owner and am sure that you’ll do a good job managing our team. One thing that I think you should definitely do, though, is to keep Gilbert Arenas and make him a part of this team’s future. Arenas is an explosive and outstanding player and he has the capability to be even one of the top 5 players in the league next year or the year after that if everything goes well. Besides, at this point there is no chance you’ll get anything worthwhile if you try to trade him, so why not stick it out at least for a little bit and see if he can return to MVP form?
Sorry, I meant Ted Leonsis.
I am delighted that Ted Leonis is taking over the management of the Wizards. May I suggest: change the name of DC’s basketball team and all the logos/etc., after you have allowed a reasonable time to pass following Abe Pollin’s death, perhaps one season. In my humble opinion, it’s the worst name in all of sports-dom. When I compare the Miami Heat (and the descending flaming basketball) to the Wizards, I am forced to ask: change the name and give the team a new, dynamic and powerful name, related to DC and this region.
Please Mr. Leonis change the Washington Wizards name and team colors.
The team colors could be red, white, and blue (like the caps).
And maybe the team name could be the Washington Wildcats
Dear Mr. Leonsis,
Congratulations on your purchase of the team and best wishes in the upcoming draft and the 2010-2011 season.
My family has been life-long Bullets/Wizards fans. We live in Southcentral PA but still try to make at least one game a year at the Verizon Center.
The game of basketball will always be a challenge for owners. Selecting players, coaches, GMs, and finding the right chemistry of personnel and salary cap magic is as much luck as it is simply making the right decision and recognizing good talent and smart employees.
As a fan of the Wizards, the NBA and the game of basketball – my humble suggestion at this time of transition is that ample focus be paid to improve the fan experience at the games. Since its opening in 1997, I’ve perceived a steady decline in patron entertainment value at the Verizon Center. The opportunities for the average fan to feel any thrill of the event outside that of the actual contest is minimal. Merchandise, food court dining, and fun and interesting activities for the kids and the young at heart in the main pedestrian traffic corridors seem to be on the decline.
I’d ask that your team pay careful attention to bringing the excitement of game day alive throughout the building. Making the day special for children and families in multiple ways beyond simply the action on the court is of paramount concern. Utilize the excitement of new draft picks, exciting established players, and the promise of a rising team to generate buzz every time fans step through the doors. Those are what my memories were when my boys were very young and I miss that human element in the experience.
I know that season ticket holders and corporate suites are the bread and butter of the business, but as the team grows in stature, its geographic fan boundaries will also expand and even the occasional out-of-town spectator should be afforded the utmost in value for those few hours they spend in your home. Although we can’t be present at every home game or afford the best courtside seats, we find ourselves to be loyal fans that have stuck with the team through thick and thin. We are vocal and we wear our hearts on our sleeves when it comes to our team. For years Washington has been a unique NBA town as fans of the opposing team often outnumber us. Nothing would bring a bigger smile to my face than forging a rabid fan base that can be counted on to root for the home team every time they step on the court. We like to think that a core fan base that exhibits such boundless enthusiasm and support can also be a powerful resource, both emotionally and spirtitually, for the team.
Thanks for your time. You have a bright future in our nation’s capital and our family looks forward to many great years under your direction of our beloved Wizards.
Sincerely and with deep appreciation and admiration,
The Cormanys (Tim, Traci, Alex, Caitlin & Spencer)
Chambersburg, PA
Ted,
I’ve admired the steps you’ve taken in getting the Capitals back to respectability over the last 5 years. It hasn’t been easy I’m sure. I really hope you are able to turn the Wizards franchise around as well. If I could make some suggestions, please bring back the heritage of the team. Provide more throw-back nights where fans can express their love for team history by wearing Bullets gear. Also, the economy is keeping many fans away, try your best to reduce those seats which you know don’t make a ton of margin and make them $5 or $10 to get fans motivated when it’s cold. John Wall might be as exciting as Stephen Strasburg, so with the first pick of the draft comes responsibility, I would market him differently than other Wizards. Use the blue print from the Nationals and you will be able to draw more crowds. Congratulations and hope to hear from you soon.
Mr. Leonsis -
Congratulations to you on becoming Wizards majority owner. Wizards fans are excited to have you in charge.
As a traveling member of Wizards media (CSN) I get to see all the NBA arenas close up and I can tell you that the Verizon Center buzz does not currently compare to the top 3rd in the Association.
Here are some suggestions to enhance the vibe:
* Live band from 6:20 to 6:40 for 7pm tips
* More routines from Wizards Dance team during timeouts (they only dance once per half some nights it seems – most other dance squads go once per quarter)
* Halfcourt shot giveaway at every home game (fans love this)
Again the pre-game atmosphere needs to feel like a crescendo into the game itself. If there is more entertainment/interaction, fans will be more inclined to show up early.
Best regards,
David Devall
Mr Leonsis,
I just wanted to take a moment and offer my congratulations on the purchase of the Wizads and Verizon center. With all that you have done for the Capitals and this city I look forward to seeing what is next. I know Mr. Pollin is looking down with a smile as he knows you will do whats best for this team and city. Go Caps!!! Go Wiz!!!
I live in Lancaster PA and currently the Wizard games are not carried over MASN. In the past they were carried when Comcast Sports net from the DC area was aired on the local Comcast franchise.
It would be wonderful if you could arrange to be broadcast again in the Lancaster area. You seem to able to have a better product this upcoming season, and with the 76ers in flux, I think this market is open for you.
Please consider it,
sincerely,
chipp beasley
Ted,
I am a HUGE basketball fan. Basketball is a major part of life here in the DC area. From AAU to high school to college basketball. I want to enjoy and partake in supporting and cheering for the Wizards, but the team’s name doesn’t provide any excitement for me. In the DC area you have the Hoyas, Patriots, Terps, Redskins, Capitals, and Nationals. But the Washington Wizards just doesn’t have the name power. I think if you were to change the name of the Wizards back to the Washington Bullets, you would be able to generate huge excitment among the fan base here in Washington.
Welcome Ted!
My hope for my Wizards is that you really examine the differences between developing and retaining drafted hockey players and basketball players.
In the NBA when you select a “project player” with upside, most of the time you are developing that player for another NBA franchise. Sad but true. They can walk after 4 years as a first round draft pick or as little as two years for a second round draft pick. (Dominic McGuire was a good player for the Wizards who we drafted 2 years ago. He’s a free agent.
I know you will do great!
Mr. Leonsis,
This is the first time I have ever tried to e-mail or leave a comment for anything like this. However, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to reach out to you, especially since you are known for being a very responsive to fans and take the time to interact with us. I first would like to say congratulations on becoming the new owner of the Washington Wizards and I wish you continued success with all your sports franchises, business endeavors, and personal life. As a basketball fan, I can only hope that you are able to find the same success you have found with the Washington Capitals. I’m not one to jump on bandwagons, but how the Caps were built to win and with the outlook of building a team to always contend, I find myself wanting to follow hockey and support our home team. Actually, I even started to watch games on TV and I even went out and bought the NHL game for a video game console for the first time so I could play as the Caps (and I’ll be 30 in a couple of years so I’ve played video games for a long time). I’ve also shared season tickets for the Wizards with a group of friends. I’ve been part of the season ticket group for over 3 years and I must admit that last year in particular I found it harder and harder to make the effort to make the games. With you as the new owner, it has brought a lot of optimism for the future. With the first pick this year’s draft (crossing fingers on John Wall, but I’m sure whoever the team chooses will be what you all is best for the franchise) I look forward to the team heading in the right direction and to make it out to the games next season.
I know you have probably have heard a lot about changing the team name. And I have read how you also wish to honor Mr. Pollin and the legacy he left behind. I know that changing a team name could take time, if that is even in consideration, but do you think it would be at least possible to change the team colors to reflect our nation’s capital and to correspond with the other franchises we have in town (Nats and Caps)?
Again, I would like to say congratulations and I wish you, the wiz, the caps, and the mystics nothing but success. I look forward to rooting for our teams. Thank you for helping making hockey what it has become the past few years and giving the DC metro area something to be proud of. This may be premature, but thank you for turning the Wizards around and building a championship team.
v/r,
Joseph
It’s exciting to have creative leadership. I so admire Ted’s ability to make wine out of sour grapes. Mr. L. seems to have a philosophy that looks to find the best in people.
His ability to succeed is based on developing a sound plan to reach a goal and has the wisdom and patience to stick with the plan. By being proactive rather than reactive he will achieve the goal and give the Wizards fans the winner we deserve.
Be patient and supportive of the new Wizard’s leader and trust that he knows how to build a winner.
Welcome to Mr. Leonsis. I trust in Ted.
P.S. How about changing from Wizards to Justice.
Mr. Leonsis,
First off, congrats on the purchase of my favorite franchise. I am looking forward to a breath of fresh air and the new hope that you bring to a team that has been down the past few seasons.
I have been a season ticket holder for the past 9 seasons and will continue to be a loyal supporter of the Wiz. I am certain that I am not alone in thinking the Wiz should change their team colors and logo to something more representative of our nation’s capitol. Red, white & blue being the obvious choice. I’d personally love to see a return to being the Bullets as well, but even if we stay as the Wiz, at least the colors and logo should mirror what makes our city the most powerful city in the world.
Thank you for you time!
-Brendan
Congrats on the formal takeover! I can’t tell you how long I’ve been waiting for the Bullets/Wizards to be consistently good. I’ve been following the Bullets/Wizards since I was a kid, going back to the Jeff Malone days, had mini-plan season tickets during the Webber/Howard days. And I have NO DOUBT you’ll get this organization going in the right direction, just like you did with the Caps!
As you know DC is considered a “football town” but as you also know WE LOVE OUR HOOPS! From the playgrounds, to high school, to college we have seen excellence on display for many, many years…now it’s time for the local pro team to strut its stuff!
I Can’t wait to see John Wall in a Wizards jersey! Would also love to see Wesley Johnson from Syracuse as well…but now I’m just getting greedy.
Any way I wish you and your family (as well as the Pollins) well as you embark on this new journey!
GOOO WIZARDS!
First of all, I would like to thank you for taking the step to own the Wizards especially based on your leadership and track record with the Washington Capitals. I have been a Wizards fan for a long time and continue to follow them despite being in Arizona.
Second, a suggestion especially if we cannot get additional first round picks is to “buy” second round picks especially from those teams with established rosters and those teams close to the luxury tax.
Third and a comment, it will be interesting to see how the Wizards’ front office proceeds through this off-season especially based on the philosophy of Mr. Grunfield to pick up veteran free agents. Please don’t do this. Let’s gather some great young players through the draft and build a team with this method.
Thank you for your time,
Scott Jacobson
Congratulations, Mr. Leonsis, on the successful completion of your acquisition of the Wizards franchise. As a fan or the team dating back to the days when the Baltimore Bullets had Bailey Howell as their main guy, I sincerely hope that a new era has dawned for basketball in Washington.
I read an article in the Post today about you considering changes to the team colors, logo and name. The colors I don’t care about. I DO hope you change the overly busy logo to something more graphically elegant and emotionally evocative.
However, PLEASE don’t change the team name. “Wizards” is the RIGHT name for a Washington baseball team. The former name “Bullets,” which is what I am certain most of those advocating a change wish you to return to, is inappropriate to a nation and a city where gun violence is a serious concern.
At least it was alliterative when the team played in Baltimore (as “Wizards” is with the team’s current and I hope permanent home), but I viewed that aspect of it as its only redeeming factor. It had no basketball connotation, had limited marketing potential, and was just the wrong name altogether.
The name “Wizards,” on the other hand, DOES have a strong basketball connotation (“He’s a wizard with the ball…”), and the marketing potential is almost unlimited. It is regrettable that the team has not taken greater advantage of the obvious merchandising and tie-ins that the name “Wizards” would permit, like pointy selling wizards’ hats and wands, having a Gandalf-like mascot, or doing a tie-in with the insanely popular Harry Potter movies.
I cannot think of a better name than “Wizards” for the team, and indeed I originally suggested it to Mr. Pollin in a letter I wrote to him back in 1977, well before we won our championship. After that strange contest in 1995 to implement the name change, where it seemed to me that the alternatives had all been selected for their inappropriateness or their weird absurdity (“Sea Dogs?”), he wrote me back acknowledging that I had been the first to put the thought into his head. Mr. Pollin, that truly fine man, sent me two tickets for really GOOD seats for every home game the rest of the year.
Besides, to change the name would be to dishonor the wishes of your predecessor.
But do change that logo, please. I’ve never liked it. It looks to me like somebody cut out a bunch of cloth triangles and circles and just threw them at a piece of flypaper. Were I more graphically competent I might provide you with some possible alternative, but my abilities in that regard are insufficient.
Thanks for your consideration, and again, congratulations! I am looking forward to next year with great anticipation.
Woody Smith
Dear Mr. Leonsis,
I wish you all the best in this exciting time for Washington sports. Years ago I sent a letter to the then Washington Bullets, expressing an interest in helping them in anyway possible as a volunteer. I just wanted to mentor or do whatever I could to help as a positive role model for young men in a new environment and of course to help my team WIN!!!! I still have the letter in which Wes Unseld wrote thanks but no thanks. I extend the same offer because I am still dedicated and believe in the organization. See, I remember the days of Big E, Wes, Mitch , Bobby D, CJ, etc. But, more importantly, all the best and may God order your steps and bless you.
Steve
Hi Ted,
I just wanted to congratulate you on the successful purchase of the Wizards, and thank you for all of the work you do to entertain DC fans. Please bring back the red, white and blue uniforms and keep doing exactly what you did with the Caps. We’re pulling for you!
Best,
Dave
Are alt uniforms need to be change from gold to black. We need to go after Lebron or Amere!!!!!!!
Hi Ted,
I’ve had a chance to start reading your book and admire all of your business and charitable achievements. As a partial season ticket holder of the Wizards I’m looking forward to the Ted Leonsis era!
Jesse Goraya
Hello Mr. Leonsis,
Congrats on purchasing the majority of the Wizards. I’m not gonna try to convince you to change the name and uniforms or trade Gilbert Arenas. I’m more concerned with a few other things.
One thing I noticed this past season was that there were not a lot of people wearing Wizards jerseys. When we played the Lakers it seemed as if there were more Lakers fans there than Wizards fans. I know you can’t control who buys tickets but I think it says something about the state of this fan base. There are a lot of passionate fans and a lot of people who love basketball in this area. But recently people have become apathetic and negative towards this franchise. I have faith that you can change that.
More importantly, to me, is gathering young talent that can contribute and become the nucleus of the team. I heard that you’ve decided to stick with Ernie Grunfeld and I realize he’s not the only one responsible for the lack if production from our draft picks over the years. But let me give you an example of what I’m talking about. The Utah Jazz started Wesley Matthews who was undrafted. They didn’t do a whole lot in the playoffs but they did beat the Nuggets. Over the years the Wizards have had difficulty finding talent early in the draft, let alone picking up undrafted free agents. I think Blatche, McGee, and Thornton could all be major contributors in the years to come but I’m excited to see who we get this year in the draft, not just the first pick but the next two picks as well. It would be really great to see both those picks become significant pieces of this franchise.
One last thing is that I think while it’s important to have patience and build up a team year by year, after watching the way some of the the teams in the Eastern Conference played in the playoffs and even in the regular season, I don’t think it’s that unrealistic to think this team could make the playoffs next season. I think even if we made it in as an 8 seed and gave up a fight in the first round, fans would be excited and re-energized. Oklahoma City is a good example of what I’m talking about. There’s no reason why we couldn’t get a good free agent or two and put them along side three draft picks and some of the returning guys. t I think you should have a talk with Gilbert but give him a chance to play along side John Wall. I’m sure you saw what he did before his injuries, this guy’s still got some good game in him, but he needs a veteran leader along side him.
Anyways, sorry to write you such a long email I really appreciate you allowing fans to contact you. I’m very excited you have you as our owner and I look forward to seeing what this franchise could turn into. It could be something special and the fans would pack the phone booth just like they do with our Caps. I just never want to hear “MVP” chanted while Kobe shoots free throws in the Verizon Center. Thanks again. -Corey
Congratulations on the acquisition of the Wizards! I hear many fans requesting a team name change asap. I’m not opposed to the idea, but don’t mind the name Wizards. If there were a change, the Bullets would be an obvious choice, but I’ve heard the name Stars and think that’s a great choice, too. If no name change, I do think a new look would be a great idea. Possibly taking the black and gold of the alternate jerseys and making them the the team’s permanent colors. Or using the old Bullets’ dark blue and red. Thanks for the opportunity to voice our opinions!
Welcome Ted. What are your plans beyond drafting John Wall?
Congratulations Mr. Leonsis on acquiring the Wizards.
Looking forward to the Wizards bringing a Championship to the District.