So, it was a great concept: Get 25 sports legends, get 25 poker pros, get everyday people to pay $4,000 to come play poker with them.

It was all set for next week, at a heck of a hotel: the Atlantis in the Bahamas.

But it ain't happening. In an obtusely worded press release, which came out just before Labor Day weekend, Sports Legends Challenge organizers say the event will be in 2010 at a new location "in a move designed to help ensure that this incredible opportunity for both poker players and sports fans fully meets the expectations of all involved."

More from the release:

“While the decision to reschedule the inaugural event was not an easy one, “ commented Bruce Bibbero, Sports Legends Challenge CEO, “There is no doubt that it is the best possible decision to help ensure the ultimate success of this amazing concept.”

The reaction from sponsors, partners, Sports Legends, Poker Pros and participants has been almost universally supportive. (Nick's note, though they don't mention any by name.)

... While at the moment details on the new venue and dates are being finalized, organizers have indicated that the venue will be one that provides easy access to major population centers and that certain enhancements to the program are also in the works, for example, including a guaranteed prize pool.

“In addition to the logistical changes, it is also an opportunity to respond to specific input from the poker world,” said Sports Legends Challenge President, Larry Lubin. “In discussions with players and Poker Pros around the world, it became clear that adding a guaranteed prize pool will be a major step forward.”

Sports Legends Challenge is honoring all prior entries for the rescheduled event and organizers anticipate a major press event within the next few weeks to announce the new location and dates.

That means the player that, say, won the charity event at Tootsie's Cabaret last weekend will have to wait.

One interview with Bibbero also quoted him as saying people were concerned about hurricanes, so they didn't sign up, and told of a 2007 failure Bibbero also had in trying to put together a similar event.

My thought: The next time you see a first-time event go off successfully, nod your head in appreciation. They're hard to get going.