Investors with a speculative streak would pump money into these super-minor-league teams, hoping they could make the leap into the big time, thereby substantially increasing the value of franchises.

FORBES: Fact and Comment

From 1999 to 2001 the value of inventory increased 578%--an extraordinary leap, even given the acquisitions.

FORBES: Mismeasurement

With the value of unlimited wireless services as the foundation of its business, Leap pioneered its Cricket service.

ENGADGET: Leap Wireless, T-Mobile strike deal to swap spectrum, pending FCC approval