Yep, sure sounds like Stern is supporting Bennett's long-held stance: either build a great new facility or you forfeit your right to the team.

You have to know the two of them have talked about this many times and that there has always been a contingency plan if Seattle didn't come up with the facility.


But Stern is not going to mention OKC at this point... He has to appease other cities that want franchises (KC for example) even though everyone knows the team is going to end up in Oklahoma.

He totally sidestepped that question. And the only reason to dodge it is because his answer is the one that we like to hear but the rest of the country doesn't.

I am not going to consider this a win for am keeping an eye on the other horses in this race. Las Vegas, St. Louis, Kansas City or some other city may pull head and blow right past in the last few seconds with a sweeter deal than OKC could ever dream about.


I'm fairly confident this is a two city race -- Seattle and OKC. St. Louis is absolutely not a factor. The owners of the Scottrade Center also own the Blues and are presently trying to right that ship. They would have to make so many concessions to the NBA group that they would make little to no money from their new tenant and it would siphon dollars away from a franchise they're trying to resuscitate. It's also fairly well conceded around here that the NBA is not seriously interested in St. Louis as a market. Former Blues owner Bill Laurie tried for six years to put an NBA team here; was rebuked by the league when he (briefly) owned the Vancouver Grizzlies, and was unable to lure any of the other teams on the market here or curry any support for an expansion bid.

Kansas City has a shiny new arena with only an Arena Football League team for a tenant, however their primary interest for a new principal occupant has been with the NHL. They made a serious run at the Pittsburgh Penguins. Having lost that chance it's my understanding they're now looking at the Nashville Predators. The only NBA teams I've heard in play for KC are the Hornets and the Kings (who played in KC during the 70's through the mid 80's). Frankly, I don't see Bennet and his group having much interest in moving into a market where they'd be fighting the Chiefs for attention during the first 2 1/2 months of their season. And heaven forbid the Royals ever become competitive again, that town will once again flock to the ballpark, leaving the NBA franchise a poor second fiddle.

Vegas didn't exactly put its best foot forward for the NBA All Star Weekend and it seems to be fairly well accepted that if any team is moving to Vegas it would be the Kings who are owned by Vegas real estate developers the Maloof brothers.

From my perspective, I see little chance of any other city landing the Sonics other than OKC - assuming the franchise moves. Pittsburgh was able to save the Penguins with an 11th hour arena deal, however there was a greater degree of local political support and a more readily available source of financing the deal in that situation. I feel very confident that Oklahoma City will have a permanent spot on the NBA map come this fall.

I notice he side stepped the question re OK.. is there a transcript yet?


Here is the link for the trascrpt.


ESPN.com: SPORTSNATION - Chat-15408(Insider) (http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/chatESPN?event_id=15408)

Are you an Insider okclee?...I'm not so I guess they messed up at the start and froze it for us cheapos in the middle of the chat cause I couldn't get back in

If anyone is an insider please let us know if he answered anymore ??'s about the Sonics

Frankly, I don't see Bennet and his group having much interest in moving into a market where they'd be fighting the Chiefs for attention during the first 2 1/2 months of their season. And heaven forbid the Royals ever become competitive again, that town will once again flock to the ballpark, leaving the NBA franchise a poor second fiddle.

I just don't see KC supporting 3 major league teams. If Seattle can't do it can Kansas City?

Anyway, it's not like Stern could force Bennett to give the team to Vegas or KC (even if he wanted to).

There were no other questions regarding the Sonics, Hornets, or Okc.

I am not an insider, I was however reading it live and at that time it wasn't locked to the "insiders".

That is funny because when I posted the link it was before the Stern chat was locked to Insiders only.

NBA commish David Stern, today just a few minutes ago on ESPNEWS "The Hot List". The final question asked of him was, "if you had one choice of anywhere in the world to place a franchise, which city would you choose?"

He answered, "I would choose Oklahoma City."

It seems as if this possible move to Okc is starting to pick up steam.

Wow...Can't believe he actually answered that....But I'm glad he did!!

^^^ I almost fell out of my chair when he said Oklahoma City. I expected him to dance around the question just like he always does.

It is one thing for him to say Okc while he is Okc, but for him to say it live on ESPN, it just gets better.

Wow, it sounds like this may all happen rather quickly then.

After the current legislative session ends, what possibly can take place between then (early next week) and the November 1, 2007 deadline?

Probably nothing but behind-the-scenes dealings between Stern & Bennett.

I just don't see KC supporting 3 major league teams.

Ooooh, you're just asking for me to make a Royals wisecrack. Of course the Cardinals just got swept at home by the Pirates, so perhaps I should concentrate on washing the windows on my own glass house.

Great news about the Stern quote . . . that's one tremendous endorsement and probably a telling sign that OKC is on its way.

> a telling sign that OKC is on its way.

Or, it could simply be a well placed shot fired across the bow to assure Stern has the undivided attention of certain Seattle politicos.

Still, it would be nice .. wolf down a big make ya happy Sonic meal and then wander down the street to see the Sonics, and afterwards a nice shake as you stroll bricktown. Yeah ... that'll work just fine. :)

Wow, he actually said OKC .. makes me feel better about losing my voice Friday night at the last game.. I know he must have been impressed with the crowd.. it was pretty electric and extremely LOUD as usual.

^^ It kind of feels like getting a blessing from the Pope.

ha,ha Pope Stern..

btw, thanks for the link

> a telling sign that OKC is on its way.

Or, it could simply be a well placed shot fired across the bow to assure Stern has the undivided attention of certain Seattle politicos.

Still, it would be nice .. wolf down a big make ya happy Sonic meal and then wander down the street to see the Sonics, and afterwards a nice shake as you stroll bricktown. Yeah ... that'll work just fine. :)

Stern is not above posturing for what he wants..... but he's not about to use a city that saved his league when they needed help to gain leverage against a city he knows has no interest in keeping their NBA team.....

I'm sure Bennett's comments here about next season are just in case he can't get the team moved in the short-term, as he doesn't want to completely cut off season ticket sales:

*****************

Sonics may try to leave town before lease expires in 2010

By Jim Brunner
Seattle Times staff reporter


Sonics owner Clay Bennett today said he expects the Sonics and Storm to play at KeyArena next season, but the teams will "evaluate all of our options" and may try to exit Seattle before their leases expire in 2010.

"I don't think having a franchise that is leaving town is good for anybody," Bennett said during a conference call with reporters discussing the failure in the state Legislature of the team's proposal to build a $500 million arena in Renton.

Marty McOmber, a spokesman for Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels, said the city intends to hold the Sonics and Storm to their leases.

Bennett said he would continue to make a "good-faith best effort" to get an arena deal in Washington state. But he said if no deal is reached before Oct. 31, he has the right to try to move the teams.

Bennett also said he was told by Gov. Christine Gregoire that a special session to revive the arena plan is unlikely.

Sonics poised to go after third blow
Lawmakers again fail to back public taxes for new facility

By CHRIS McGANN, ANGELA GALLOWAY AND CRAIG HARRIS
P-I REPORTERS

OLYMPIA -- The Legislature said no, so the Sonics say they'll have to go.

For the third consecutive year, the Seattle Sonics failed to convince the Legislature that taxpayers should help finance a new arena for the NBA franchise.

"This is a staggering and quite likely a debilitating blow to our efforts to develop a world-class arena facility. Clearly at this time the Sonics and Storm have little hope of remaining in the Puget Sound region," owner Clay Bennett said in a statement.

After a meeting between the governor and House and Senate leaders Monday evening, it was apparent that the Sonics' proposal did not have enough support to pass.

"We are not going to vote on anything this session," said House Majority Leader Lynn Kessler, D-Hoquiam.

The glitz and gleam of a new $500 million arena in Renton, the promise of an economic windfall and threats of leaving the region if taxpayers didn't pony up for the new Oklahoma City-based owner were not enough to force a deal.

Sonics spokesman Jim Kneeland said it was unlikely the team would go before the Legislature again next year. The team has said its current KeyArena home is inadequate.

"We will be doing some conversations, but at this point we have a hard deadline of Nov. 1," Kneeland said.

Lawmakers who support the team said discussions would continue.

"We just feel that there is enough need," said Senate Ways and Means Chairwoman Margarita Prentice, D-Renton. "And we haven't had a chance to really work the deal and let people know how flexible Mr. Bennett has been. It's time to have more discussions."

Prentice said things were largely in Bennett's hands now.

"What is the deadline? How flexible can we be? What are his commitments, legally, to the NBA? That's what we are going to explore," Prentice said.

A clause in the purchase contract Bennett signed in July for the team states that if a new arena in the Seattle area is not agreed upon by Oct 31, 2007, the team could move to Oklahoma City, home to Bennett and his investment group.

Bennett has said the Sonics would play at least one more season in KeyArena even though the team is contractually obligated to play there until 2010.

To move by the start of the 2008-09 season, Bennett would have to petition the NBA by March 1, according to NBA rules.

Even if they want to pull up stakes the Sonics are bound to KeyArena and the city of Seattle with a lease agreement that runs through 2010. If the new owners were to seek to end their lease early, they'd have to negotiate a buyout with the city.

That may not be easy.

"We have a lease through the 2010 season and it's enforceable and we expect the Sonics to honor it," said Deputy Mayor Tim Ceis. "If the Sonics want to do something else they have not contacted us in that regard and we would have to be made whole."

How much would that cost, "that would be subject to negotiations should they approach us," Ceis said.

"This is all speculative. ... We have not had any contact with the Sonics organization in quite some time."

Seattle's Finance Director Dwight Dively said getting out of the lease could be costly for the Sonics.

"Our view is that we have an absolute guarantee that they will be here through the end of our lease and if they wanted to leave before that we would demand substantial financial damages," Dively said.

Such damages would go well beyond several million dollars in annual rent. In addition, the team provides the city revenues from ticket taxes, parking fees and luxury suite sales. Further, the city would likely seek compensation for projected lost tax revenues on restaurant and other sales around the arena before and after game time.

"The city would obviously want to be fully compensated for what we would have had," said Dively, who declined to estimate the potential value of such losses.

In his statement, Bennett said he believed the team had gone to "extraordinary lengths with significant time and resources to craft a proposal for a global-caliber multipurpose event facility that would be a valuable public asset for the region for years to come and have minimal impact on taxpayers."

Bennett said the team remains willing to work with the governor and Legislature.

Renton Mayor Kathy Keolker said she was disappointed and questioned why lawmakers wouldn't let voters decide the fate of the Sonics. The team had said it would support a public vote on the funding package.

"It is unfortunate that the Legislature refused to allow this local option funding package to be discussed here in King County," Keolker said in a statement. "This proposal contained no new taxes and used a tool that is already in place."

Throughout this year's legislative session, Speaker of the House Frank Chopp, D-Seattle, had maintained that a new Sonics stadium was not a priority and in the end it was widespread lack of interest in the House that killed the bill.

Earlier in the day, Kessler said she was doing a vote count to determine if there was enough support to bring the bill up for a full House vote. She did so with the understanding that, if there were enough interest on both sides of the aisle, Chopp would bring the bill to the floor.

After the full court press from the team and Prentice, the support did not materialize.

The lack of support thrilled Chris Van Dyk, leader of the anti-arena group Citizens for More Important Things.

"We believe the Legislature will move on to more important things and a lot of the more incredible things they've done this session will get public attention," Van Dyk said.

In its last iteration the Sonics' proposal called for a King County tax package that could provide as much as $300 million for the new stadium by extending existing stadium taxes. They included hotel/motel, rental car and restaurant taxes.

In addition, the proposal would have authorized King County to use about $150 million from a state sales tax credit that is being used to pay for Safeco Field bonds. Beginning in 2012, the sales tax credit would be used for other public facilities such as KeyArena and youth ball fields.

The Sonics also requested a $100 million contribution for the city of Renton.

SEATTLE -- SuperSonics majority owner Clay Bennett says the NBA team likely will not play in Seattle beyond the 2007-08 season.

Bennett said Tuesday that Gov. Chris Gregoire won't call lawmakers into special session so the team can continue to push for taxpayer money for a new $500 million arena. And he said the Sonics will honor their KeyArena lease that runs through 2010 - but most likely only through "a legal exercise."

"That may or may not mean the team will play there," Bennett said during a conference call.

Seattle's NBA team for the last 40 years is obligated to stay in the city only for one more season.

"I'm not sure it makes sense to play there if relocation (is imminent)."

Bennett, whose investor group bought the team last year from a local group headed by Starbucks Chairman Howard Schultz, is a prominent Oklahoma City businessman, and the sale prompted widespread fear among Sonics fans the team would be moved to Oklahoma. Bennett promised to keep the team in the Seattle area if a deal could be struck for a new arena.

On Monday, legislative leaders decided not to consider the plan for a new arena in suburban Renton during the regular session, which is due to end by Sunday, saying it lacks enough support to pass.

Bennett said he had no hope Gregoire would call lawmakers back.

"I have asked her opinion of that and she said the special session is not (going to) happen," Bennett said.
Asked by The Associated Press on Tuesday morning about a special session, Gregoire replied: "No discussion about that." Her spokeswoman later disputed Bennett's account of his conversation with Gregoire.

"The governor has no recollection of any mention of a special session during her phone call with Clay Bennett," said Holly Armstrong, Gregoire's spokeswoman.

Bennett also said he would not bring the arena plan before lawmakers when the next regular session begins in January because he will by then be exploring his contractual right to move the Sonics and the WNBA's Storm. That right, from his $350 million purchase of the teams last summer, takes effect after Oct. 31.

The Sonics did not file a relocation application with the NBA before a March 1 deadline, so they must play in Seattle next season.

Asked about lawmakers' claims Monday night the proposal to use $278 million in King County tax revenues toward a new arena did not have enough support in the Legislature, Bennett scoffed and said, "That sounds like politics to me."

Did you all know, Bennett is already in New York today!

I think the SONICS will move to Oklahoma City by this October, profided that the WA legislative session does indeed end without a vote for the arena. No other options could be explored and it was set to have funding in place by the deadline."

Bennett said, "Im open to new ideas, but it looks like its time to go. ...."

Its funny that Margarita Prentice is most in denial. But like was said, Bennett has to say what he has to say in-supposed that something could happen.

But please understand, without the legislature approval then approval from King County (must happen in that order by the way) and the fact that the session is over on Sunday and no extention and no new session until November. ......

And the fact that no local private financing took place with past local owners.

And the fact that Bennett is in New York today, no doubt meeting with Stern and other governers behind closed doors. ..

And the fact that Stern mentioned OKC favourably as the next location on ESPN.

It doesn't take a rocket scientist. OKC will get the SONICS, and probably by Oct 2007!!! Kudos.

I don't understand. The anti-arena people say the team doesn't bring in any money to the city, but the city says the Sonics would owe the city substantial money if they leave early. How is this possible? Seems to me that the Sonics either bring money into the city or cause the city to lose money (breaking even would be statistical impossibility). According to the anti-sport crowd the Sonics are a drain on the community. Maybe the Sonics should sue Seattle for money the city saves when the team leave early.

The clause in the contract is interesting. I wish I knew the exact wording of that paragraph.

what it is Kerry is, the SONICS are a major draw to the city of Seattle and in fact do provide a substantial portion of the city's tax and Key Arena revenue during gaming events. This is what the city is talking about and would seek should the SONICS move to break the lease with Key Arena.

The SONICS however, dont make any money given what was negotiated for the Key Arena upgrade as well as the actual cost of the lease (one of the most expensive).

However, Im sure what the SONICS lawyers will point out is there is no guarantee that the SONICS would provide X amount of revenue to the city, especially in parking and residual restaurant sales receipts. There is NO WAY to accurately say, the city would receive this due to the SONICS presence.

Of course, the team wants an arena - so they'd likely inflate their contribution to the area for that debate. And, of course, the team wants out of Seattle - so they'd likely delete anything that is circumstantial and unreliable.

That said, the ONLY thing that is a sure bet to break the lease is the actual rent the SONICS would pay. Luxury Suite sales, concession, tv market, and residual sales are all speculative and a settlement would have to be negotiated and a judge determine the most equitable result.

It will NOT be as HIGH as the city wants or as LOW as the team, but the SONICS could use 2006 as a benchmark to determine what it could be out.

It's just so funny how arrogant those city officials are with regard to Seattle, but in fact - there is no way for a business to guarantee a profit or return to the city so therefore everything is negotiable aside from the lease which is under signed contract.

Hope you are right Hot Rod...Already got clearance for season tix if they do indeed start in '07

Don't know what the tradeoff or what it will cost me for her agreeing, but it will be well worth it....Been waiting 35 years for a major league team here and I'm gonna jump all over it if given the chance :rock_guit

HotRod - I am not going to debate if sports is a money making endevour for cities but the things you cited are on the revenue side. The city also incurrs expenses during Soncis games. What the Sonics should pay is the net. If the net is a negative number then the city should pay the Sonics.

well, the city factors in the expense side into the Rent. Which is one of the most expensive esp for such a small arena.

The city isnt worried about that, but the city also wants and is screaming for the marginal revenue that would be created if the SONICS were to stay in Seattle through the 2009 season. They want restaurant receipts, lux box sales, parking, t-shirt, concessions, events, appearances, so forth; that you cant predict. You could only say, with the SONICS here, it is likely there would be some marginal revenue from those venues. But, you could not say there WOULD BE marginal revenue from those streams - since it is not guaranteed that people would buy luxury suites, t-shirts, parking, or eat at those restaurants.

The city would also want a portion of the media receipts, but once again - whose to say what that might look like with a lame-duck year. I'd venture, not that high.

But the expense side of Key Arena is covered by the rent the Sonics are required to pay thru the 2009 season no matter what. Its just, the city is claiming to be entitled to more. And I dont think so.

This story is all over the place.......ESPN, CNN, Fox Sports

They are all saying the same thing, "the Sonics will be leaving Seattle, after next season"

ESPN.com - NBA - Sonics owner: lease won't keep team from moving (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2841192)

FOX Sports - NBA - Bennett: Arena lease won't be deciding factor (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/6698748?MSNHPHMA)

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/basketball/nba/04/17/bc.bkn.supersonics.arena.ap/index.html

Here is another link to the USA today, it has even better quotes from Bennett and a few from Mayor Mick.

Owner: Sonics likely leaving Seattle after 2007-08 season - USATODAY.com (http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/sonics/2007-04-17-sonics-arena_N.htm)

I think that OKC needs to seriously consider this free lease of the Ford Center idea in order to get the Sonics here ASAP.

I have no idea how much it would cost to fire up the Ford Center 40 extra times next year, pay for the extra cops, etc...but I think that the city would end up making money, even without lease payments from a tenant.

The city has to make a boatload on parking downtown, plus the economic impact in Bricktown on those nights, as we all know from the past two seasons, would be huge.

Maybe I'm getting overzealous and getting a little depressed about a bleak winter next year, but come on. Surely the city would come out in the black, even if they had to foot the bill for the Sonics for a year. I really don't want to take the year off next year...

That is an interesting point John, one that I also mentioned more or less earlier.

In order to secure the SONICS immediately (as in next week), Oklahoma City can offer Bennett free lease at the Ford Center until 1) the luxury amenities/suites that both parties agree to are built into the Ford Center and/or 2) a permanent practice facility is constructed for the team.

Oklahoma City already has funding in place to upgrade the Ford Center. That was a provision of the MAPS I extension. Im not sure if the funding is in place for the practice facility but Im sure it wouldn't take much to get that one going either.

So, if the city were to act say - by Monday next week when the WA legislative session is over, to put its best foot forward; free lease for the first x years until the 2 conditions above are met in return the SONICS would sign a 20 year lease en leiu with the rent to be assessed starting year such and such; I think that Bennett's meetings in New York this week should provide the votes of the board to let him out of Seattle for 2007.

The city might not make as much for the first year or two BUT that would be offset by the positive exposure Oklahoma City would get from the media attention as well as if the SONICS go get good players (which is what Bennett is going to do anyways!!! Awesome). The city would get what it got during the Hornets, as a baseline. And surely there would be more since this is a permanent relocation (not temporary due to a national disaster). I think it is a move OKC should do and initiate, something that will benefit for decades, pridewise and financially.

The question is, how much would it cost to break the lease at Key arena. I'll be honest, I dont know how much rent they pay - but I do know that is the ONLY thing the SONICS are obligated to pay for. All of the other stuff the city of Seattle said they wanted (luxury suites, parking, restaurant visits, concessions, t-shirts/trinkets, media) that stuff is all relative and not guaranteed.

It is possible the SONICS in 2007 in Seattle wouldn't have ANY of those marginal revenue items - albeit unlikely but still how could you guarantee X dollars from any of that? And what baseline would you chose? A healthy SONICS who win most of their games (like in the 1990's) or the current SONICS who are the 5th worse team in the league? I bet the figures are different for the two - so whose to say the SONICS would owe Seattle any of that marginal revenue that would be possible?

But there would be some cost to break the lease at Key Arena and it would be wonderful if OKC were to come through next week and say - we want you here, we will help offset any losses by waiving our rent provided you give us a long term lease.

Im sure Mick is all over this, as is Stern (which we already know), Bennett, and surely the other NBA governers. Hopefully, more good news will come forward next week for Oklahoma City.

A little sad to see the SONICS leave Seattle, sure I am; but I am even more happy that they are going to my hometown - where they are wanted, deserved, "and needed!"

Interesting angles, HOT ROD. It would be nice to see some real numbers. I also wonder how much a lame duck season would actually help in reducing buy out expenses? It would obviously work one year off of that lease, but it would also produce less tangential revenue as less people would be going to the games, paying for dinners, buying luxury boxes, staying in hotels etc. The city of Seattle would obviously claim mitigating circumstances, but it would be part of an established downward turn. The momentum would be with the owners in terms of declining performance. Even if a judge sympathized with the mitigating circumstances, he/she certainly couldn't speculate that they would have been higher in the last two years of the lease.

Of course, that's a risk. You have to have the right mediator and the right results. There is little uncertainty, however, that the Sonics will not be profitable operating at Key Arena under that lease. So, it would all be weighed against how much you will loose in another year of operation versus how much leverage a lame duck season would actually create towards buy out negotiations.

In the end, it seems to me that Seattle isn't interested in keeping the Sonics. They just want their check and are happy to wave goodbye. Maybe I missed it, but I would think that if they wanted the Sonics in Seattle they would at least make some stronger counter offers to either improve Key (if possible) or rewrite the lease to make it more favorable for the owners. I could be wrong, but I don't think the city needs the state legislature to do some things that could help the Sonics stop bleeding cash. Then again, they have been at this for 3 years and 2 owners. I really just think they feel they have done enough for the sports community and are looking to cash in on the Sonics... maybe even to help pay for their previous sports investments... If so, it's really not a bad move on their part, imo.

You know, there's a startling parallel in the Washington state governments actions here and the Dallas City Council's actions regarding improvements to or rebuilding the Cotton Bowl. If you let leaders like Laura Miller in at the city level, eventually they make it all the way to the state, and you end up flushing valuable assets like marquee sports franchises or events down the drain in a misplaced sense of propriety....

-SoonerDave

To be fair, it does sound like the state of Washington has some serious concerns with its infrastructure. Instead of viewing losing the Sonics as flushing valuable assets, some see it as an opportunity to refocus on obtaining toilets that actually flush at some of its schools. Whether its posturing or a real attempt to improve the state remains to be seen, but I wouldn't call paying for public infrastructure improvements over subsidizing sports ventures a misplaced sense of propriety, but an attempt at making public well being a priority.

BDP's right. I think if I were in Seattle I would probably be pleased with the decision.

There can't possibly be that much public support for the Sonics in Seattle otherwise the legislators would be more inclined to support the arena plan.

Nobody wants to jeordardize their political career by alienating a big chunk of voters over something like this. But clearly, that doesn't see to present much of a risk to the law makers which tells me the general population is pretty ambivalent as well.

So, time for everyone to move on.

yeah move on to OKC that is......................

Two things of note. I just found this poll on the Seattle Times website from today.SURVEY


Will the Sonics stay?
Do you think the Sonics will remain in Seattle beyond the 2007-2008 season?

Yes - 19%

No - 53%

I don't care - 28%

Total votes: 1,449

And here is a newly posted article this afternoon on the Oklahoman's website:

Bennett, Sonics will look around

By John Rohde
Staff Writer

With his NBA franchise "hemorrhaging drastically,” Seattle SuperSonics owner Clay Bennett said he will begin exploring options that could soon move the team to Oklahoma City.
"We're going to evaluate our options. We have to do that,” Bennett said Tuesday, one day after his proposal for a new $500 million tax-subsidized arena was tabled when the Washington legislature determined there was not enough support to vote on the plan.

A group of Oklahoma City businessmen chaired by Bennett purchased the Sonics and WNBA Storm last July for $350 million and have since been working on building a facility to replace KeyArena, which is the NBA's smallest and oldest facility.

With that proposal stagnant, Bennett said he must press forward to save a business that is now on the verge of becoming a lame-duck franchise.

"This business is hemorrhaging drastically as we speak,” Bennett said. "And I expect it to only get worse.

"I don't think having a franchise that's leaving town is good for anyone. Not for the players, not for the fans. It's kind of a disjointed situation.”

Bennett spoke with reporters from NBA headquarters, where he will attend the Board of Governors meetings on Thursday night and Friday.

Bennett admitted he was frustrated and said: "I remain puzzled as to why this didn't make sense to the broad public. I also feel that I'm not sure how we (can) get this done. It's going to be very difficult to find an answer (in Seattle). For whatever reason, this is not a priority. So I'm concerned and I think we're in a very difficult period. The franchise is clearly at risk in the marketplace.”

Bennett said he would still adhere to his self-imposed Oct. 31 deadline for making a "good faith, best effort to build a successor venue.”

But is it possible to keep his deadline while simultaneously exploring options for relocation?

"Sure,” Bennett said. "We're going to work hard and be open and available to any ideas that come forward (concerning the proposed arena). But we have to, at the same time, begin the (relocation) process. We need to address it.”

Oklahoma City successfully hosted the New Orleans Hornets the past two seasons after the team was displaced by Hurricane Katrina in the summer of 2005.

Bennett attended the Hornets' final home game Friday night inside the Ford Center.

"As I've said many times, Oklahoma City deserves a team and should get a team,” Bennett reiterated. "(An NBA team) would be an incredibly valuable asset for any market. I know Oklahoma City would do anything they could to get the team.”

The Sonics have a lease with KeyArena and the city of Seattle through 2010.

"I'm not sure it makes sense to play there if relocation (is imminent),” Bennett said.

If the Sonics wanted to leave before the lease expired, they would have to negotiate a payout, which Seattle officials said they would demand.

"I assume that becomes a legal exercise,” Bennett said.

NBA commissioner David Stern previously categorized the lease as the worst in the league and also criticized Seattle's opposition to a new arena.

"They're not interested in having the NBA there,” Stern said last year.

In a Tuesday on-line chat on ESPN.com, Stern was asked where he would like to see Bennett's team, Seattle or Oklahoma City?

"From a league perspective, we are hoping for a miracle that gets a vote accomplished,” Stern said. "If not, things don't look very good.”

"I'm not sure it makes sense to play there if relocation (is imminent),” Bennett said.

A clue? Doesn't sound like he wants even one season there.

No doubt he doesn't want to stay any longer than he has to. I think Trammel was right in that Bennett's first choice is to have a new arena built and make 100 million dollars in equity with the increase in value the arena would generate for the team. But, since it looks like he will have to operate out of Key, which has a recent history of being unprofitable, he's going to want to minimize how long he has to operate there to minimize losses.

Then it just becomes a question of negotiating a buy out and measure that against projected losses of operating in Seattle, In other words, will it take longer to recoup a buy out or recoup the losses sustained by operating in Seattle for X (1 to 3) number of years? Now it's hard to say until anyone knows what a buy out will cost, but you gotta think that getting out of Seattle as soon as possible is going to be the favored course of action. It is theoretically possible to finance the buy out and still achieve positive cash flows in a new market, a result that is currently, as far as I understand it, impossible in Seattle, all other variables being constant.

No news is good news from up here. :)

I can say, the 4pm news KOMO announced the "move" again and also promoted tonite's game as "the SONICS last game." They didn't really correct themselves to say "of this season" or anything -

perhaps that is an inside 'slip' of sorts indicating a major announcement will likely take place next week - just as I predict. Good times indeed for OKC.

If they are going to negotiate a lease buyout, there is really little difference if they wait a year. Except, of course, they'll have a terrible season of attendence right before having to come up with a payoff.

The only real issue is the NBA approval. Even though the deadline has passed, Stern could certainly arrange for a special vote given the circumstances. And considering the support he's shown Bennett and OKC, I would expect him to be very accomodating.

The SONICS game didn't seem to be too full, not to mention they're getting hammered at halftime. We'll have to see what the official attendance was for tonights game. Some group staged a rally before tonight's game to save the team but it didn't look like too big of a crowd.

cost of land is 5-6 times what it costs in Oklahoma City, that's mostly why.

And we (Seattle) do not support the SONICS anymore, that's why their headed to Oklahoma City. Believe it Homer!

It would be extremely stupid for the Sonics to leave Seattle after the length of time they've been in that city. I don't think Bennett is being fair asking them to build an arena 5-6 times what the Ford Center cost.
Not only is the land more expensive, but the arena and building complex they were proposing is substantially bigger with significantly more amenities than the Ford Center has, so it's not an apples-to-apples comparison when it comes to the cost. If we do in fact get an NBA team, the Ford Center is just not going to cut it for very long and we'll be looking at a much more expensive arena complex.

From today's Seattle Times.

Sonics' finale has a feeling of "goodbye"
By Percy Allen
Seattle Times staff reporter

The only thing missing were moving vans revving in the parking lot ready to carry the Sonics away after the final buzzer.

Conceivably, they'll return next season for what could be their final year in Seattle, but judging from the multitude of cryptic messages surrounding the game, you might have gotten the impression that when the Sonics walked off the court following Wednesday's 106-75 defeat to Dallas, they were heading out of town for good.

"You know what the crazy thing is? This year was supposed to be a celebration," guard Earl Watson said. "Remember the 40th anniversary and all of that?

"The last game, you want to thank your fans for hanging with you, but this feels more like a goodbye because of everything that's happened."

Several fans wore green-and-gold "Save Our Sonics" T-shirts and carried placards urging owner Clay Bennett to remain patient with state lawmakers who killed the $300 million public financing package on a $500 million multi-purpose facility in Renton that was going to be the Sonics' new home.

During a pep rally outside of KeyArena before the game, Renton Mayor Kathy Keolker encouraged a few hundred supporters to continue the fight for the new arena. She spoke of an 11th-hour miracle before the session ends Sunday, but declined to reveal the reasons for her optimism.

"There's still a possibility we can make this work," she said. "I'm not going to give up. It could very well be [a miracle]. It's coming down that way. There are still people in Olympia who are working on this issue and trying to make this happen.

"That's all I'm going to say right now. I haven't given up, they haven't either and we're all doing our part to try and make this happen."

Many shared her sentiment, but there was also a contingent of fans who fear the worst. They hope that Bennett won't make good on threats to break the final two years of a lease with the city and move the Sonics and Storm to Oklahoma City after the 2007-08 season.

Sonics center Nick Collison, who took the microphone at center court for a pregrame address, hinted the team could move sooner than later. He thanked the fans for their support, but ended a short speech saying: "Hopefully, we'll see you next season."

The gaffe wasn't lost on many in the announced crowd of 16,117 who appeared stunned, or an angry Sonics executive, who stormed down the KeyArena corridor cursing and yelling: "Hopefully? Who in the hell writes this stuff!"

There are so many unknown factors involving the Sonics, who ended their worst season in more than two decades with a five-game losing streak and dropped nine of their last 10 games to finish 31-51.

The arena issue, however, is just the tip of the iceberg.

First and foremost, Bennett, who is in New York attending the NBA Board of Governors meeting, is expected to immediately announce the fates of coach Bob Hill and general manager Rick Sund. Many in the organization believe Hill, who leaves for his home in San Antonio on Saturday, will not be retained, while Sund, who has a year remaining on his contract, could return.

"Expect the unexpected, from players, to coaching, to whatever," Watson said. "What's going to happen with me, I don't know. Nobody in this organization really knows what's going to happen to them except Mr. Bennett."

Include Lenny Wilkens in that exclusive group.

The Sonics legend had been an FSN color analyst before adding the title of vice chairman this season. It's widely believed that he'll have the pick of any job he chooses, from president, to general manager, to coach. What Wilkens decides will determine what happens to Hill and Sund.

Wilkens, who was unavailable Wednesday, has repeatedly said he has no desire to resume a Hall of Fame coaching career that ended in January 2006 after a turbulent year in New York.

Still, rumors continue to swirl about his imminent return to the sideline.

"I talked to Lenny a few times, but we never get into the coaching situation or anything like that because I really don't want to know," forward Chris Wilcox said. "I know this much, this team needs some good news. We haven't had any good news in a long time around here."


Copyright © 2007 The Seattle Times Company

The Sonics are clearly playing third fiddle in Seattle....Why not come to a proven city and be the clear cut toast of the town?

Hornets found out how nice that was and now they are headed back to being second best well behind the Saints

We will absolutely need to pony up and build a new stadium in 5 yrs or so...Shouldn't be a problem at all with all the name recognition the NBA will bring to our up and coming city...It will make a huge difference in the next decade at least

The Sonics are clearly playing third fiddle in Seattle....Why not come to a proven city and be the clear cut toast of the town?

Hornets found out how nice that was and now they are headed back to being second best well behind the Saints

We will absolutely need to pony up and build a new stadium in 5 yrs or so...Shouldn't be a problem at all with all the name recognition the NBA will bring to our up and coming city...It will make a huge difference in the next decade at least


Well said Easy.........

Bennett has the plans already drawn for the new arena, and it would looks 100 times better in downtown Okc then it would in Seattle.

http://eventscenterfacts.com/img/arenaAerial400x360.jpg

Here is the street level view that would be seen as you drive along the soon to be new downtown boulevard.

http://eventscenterfacts.com/img/arenaFront400x360.jpg

Does anyone have the link or the quote to Bennett when he referred to building a new arena in Okc?

He was asked about building this same arena in Okc and where he would build it if he were to move. He mentioned the relocation of I-40 and using land in the new area to build this same arena.

I'm all for it in a MAPSIII proposal IF we need the extra amentities that the proposed arena to replace Key Arena in Seattle. Otherwise, we may need to tweak the design a little to accommodate OUR city's needs. I believe they were adding extra amenities for a multi-purpose facility and some convention space. If a new arena were to be build, we hopefully will built a new larger pure convention space and convert the Cox to pure convention space as well for smaller conventions.

Sonics' finale has a feeling of "goodbye"
By Percy Allen

Seattle Times staff reporter


The only thing missing were moving vans revving in the parking lot ready to carry the Sonics away after the final buzzer.

Conceivably, they'll return next season for what could be their final year in Seattle, but judging from the multitude of cryptic messages surrounding the game, you might have gotten the impression that when the Sonics walked off the court following Wednesday's 106-75 defeat to Dallas, they were heading out of town for good.

"You know what the crazy thing is? This year was supposed to be a celebration," guard Earl Watson said. "Remember the 40th anniversary and all of that?

"The last game, you want to thank your fans for hanging with you, but this feels more like a goodbye because of everything that's happened."

Several fans wore green-and-gold "Save Our Sonics" T-shirts and carried placards urging owner Clay Bennett to remain patient with state lawmakers who killed the $300 million public financing package on a $500 million multi-purpose facility in Renton that was going to be the Sonics' new home.

During a pep rally outside of KeyArena before the game, Renton Mayor Kathy Keolker encouraged a few hundred supporters to continue the fight for the new arena. She spoke of an 11th-hour miracle before the session ends Sunday, but declined to reveal the reasons for her optimism.

"There's still a possibility we can make this work," she said. "I'm not going to give up. It could very well be [a miracle]. It's coming down that way. There are still people in Olympia who are working on this issue and trying to make this happen.

"That's all I'm going to say right now. I haven't given up, they haven't either and we're all doing our part to try and make this happen."

Many shared her sentiment, but there was also a contingent of fans who fear the worst. They hope that Bennett won't make good on threats to break the final two years of a lease with the city and move the Sonics and Storm to Oklahoma City after the 2007-08 season.

Sonics center Nick Collison, who took the microphone at center court for a pregrame address, hinted the team could move sooner than later. He thanked the fans for their support, but ended a short speech saying: "Hopefully, we'll see you next season."

The gaffe wasn't lost on many in the announced crowd of 16,117 who appeared stunned, or an angry Sonics executive, who stormed down the KeyArena corridor cursing and yelling: "Hopefully? Who in the hell writes this stuff!"

There are so many unknown factors involving the Sonics, who ended their worst season in more than two decades with a five-game losing streak and dropped nine of their last 10 games to finish 31-51.

The arena issue, however, is just the tip of the iceberg.

First and foremost, Bennett, who is in New York attending the NBA Board of Governors meeting, is expected to immediately announce the fates of coach Bob Hill and general manager Rick Sund. Many in the organization believe Hill, who leaves for his home in San Antonio on Saturday, will not be retained, while Sund, who has a year remaining on his contract, could return.

"Expect the unexpected, from players, to coaching, to whatever," Watson said. "What's going to happen with me, I don't know. Nobody in this organization really knows what's going to happen to them except Mr. Bennett."

Include Lenny Wilkens in that exclusive group.

The Sonics legend had been an FSN color analyst before adding the title of vice chairman this season. It's widely believed that he'll have the pick of any job he chooses, from president, to general manager, to coach. What Wilkens decides will determine what happens to Hill and Sund.

Wilkens, who was unavailable Wednesday, has repeatedly said he has no desire to resume a Hall of Fame coaching career that ended in January 2006 after a turbulent year in New York.

Still, rumors continue to swirl about his imminent return to the sideline.

"I talked to Lenny a few times, but we never get into the coaching situation or anything like that because I really don't want to know," forward Chris Wilcox said. "I know this much, this team needs some good news. We haven't had any good news in a long time around here."

Percy Allen: 206-464-2278 or pallen@seattletimes.com


Copyright © 2007 The Seattle Times Company

crowd of 16,117


And there is your problem .. right there.

Bring it on.. we'll fill up our arena.

Sonics' finale has a feeling of "goodbye"
Sonics center Nick Collison, who took the microphone at center court for a pregrame address, hinted the team could move sooner than later. He thanked the fans for their support, but ended a short speech saying: "Hopefully, we'll see you next season."

The gaffe wasn't lost on many in the announced crowd of 16,117 who appeared stunned, or an angry Sonics executive, who stormed down the KeyArena corridor cursing and yelling: "Hopefully? Who in the hell writes this stuff!"



I don't understand. Was he mad that he was too optimistic or too pessimistic?

I don't understand. Was he mad that he was too optimistic or too pessimistic?

I assume the guy would have rathered him say "We'll see you next season."

Easy180, I already posted that article on the previous page. Let's also keep in mind that even though 16,117 were announced for attendance, I read many locals fan blogs saying it was more like 12,000 that actually showed up. As we know, sometimes they reported tickets sold, not people showed up.

And there is your problem .. right there.

Bring it on.. we'll fill up our arena.

That actually isn't bad, considering their arena only seats a little over 17K. Also, you have to consider....why would Seattle support a team owned by OKC investors.

What does the Key hold? I would think if they were so supportive it would have been sold out for a potential last game ever.

What does the Key hold? I would think if they were so supportive it would have been sold out for a potential last game ever.

Look at Charlotte when they had their last game......hardly anyone showed up because the fans were so upset with Shinn.

Key Arena's capacity for basketball is 17,072

Easy180, I already posted that article on the previous page. Let's also keep in mind that even though 16,117 were announced for attendance, I read many locals fan blogs saying it was more like 12,000 that actually showed up. As we know, sometimes they reported tickets sold, not people showed up.


Let's keep in mind to that there was a home baseball game last night as well.