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.