HUGE NEWS! Clay Bennett & Co. buy Supersonics!

[HOT ROD]

I saw the film. very nice, but it jumped around at spots for me (I wonder if they did that on purpose???). Anyways, it was nice to see/hear from him sound-off if you will about OKC's viability. Sure, he inserted the KC stuff but that is only so OKC will go BIG TIME for a change instead of JUST getting something half-assed.

Surely, there is no arena deal up here in Seattle - so I think/hope that by July he makes an announcement that the teams are moving to OKC/ and that there are 15,000 season tix sold within 2 months.

If that announcement is not made, surely there will be one in Nov 1 about the Sonics moving (which would mean a terrible and I mean terrible lame-duck year in Seattle))). Not at all good for the NBA or the city of Seattle, and not financially viable for Bennett.

Make the wisest choice!!! Move the teams for the 2007 season.

[okclee]

The people in Seattle sound as if this "Sonics Leaving Seattle" just happened overnight or because of Bennett puchasing the team.

I believe that the previous owner had been trying for three years to get something done. So if and when the Sonics do leave town the blame can not go soley toward Bennett. Nor should anyone be surprised that Bennett has given up on the people in WA to fund a new arena.

[HOT ROD]

Seattle people like to blame someone for what happens here. The populous here can be likened in many ways to spoiled rich brats who expect everyone to know who they are, bow to their every needs, and surely put Seattle ahead of any other city in the nation. Why?

Well because we have Microsoft, Starbucks, Amazon, Real Networks, Washington Mutual, and the ops of Boeing; and because we have more millionaires including the richest people in the nation. so There, anyone who comes here must realize that Seattle is THE market with a few exceptions being NY, Chicago, and LA.

That arrogance is shared by most people up here and is perpetrated in most of the media. There is a sense that Seattle is untouchable because larger markets like NY and Chicago already have everything, so there's no competition for what Seattle has/wants. Lots have an arrogance that given the population size of the region, it is also desireable even if folks lose money here - due to the "importance" of having a top 15 market and ESPECIALLY since its Seattle.....

These people piss me off on this all of the time. I am so glad there have been Oklahoma Citians joining some of the Seattle Sonics forums. Most people only thought negatively of OKC as not being in the same league or able to support what Seattle could. I have seen however, that this is changed, and that now folks do see that OKC is 1.3M and could support the NBA successfully, maybe not long term with a losing team - but certainly there is NO argument about OKC's viability anymore. And that was due in large part to OKC folks coming in and educating people here about OKC.

What people are now saying rather arrogantly is that the NBA would not want to give up such a large media market for a small one. While there might be some truth in this - one can not soley depend on your media market alone, ticket sales and fan support matter also. And Seattle fans always fail to realize that OKC's market is not as large area wise as Seattle's either - but a similar area would realize the same numbers in the OKC region as well, at least putting OKC in the top 20.

For some reason, people up here dont seem to want to realize how close OKC is to other cities who WILL support the Sonics in the city. OKC is a lot closer to a lot more people than Seattle is, and surely that is OKC's market even if the TV market only includes the households of the OKC metro area.

I believe this is how Salt Lake is successful, which has a MUCH lower state population than that of Oklahoma - and SLC is one of the most successful in the NBA, I liken OKC to being similar as well, if not better.

Then there are others who are waiting for the private to step up. There are some movement going on but Bennett will surely not go for it - since no one will give him a sweetheart deal that would trump what he will get in OKC.

I think Seattle is the goliath that is going to get wipped by David in OKC - certainly has that attitude in many respects. And although there's much less ridicule of OKC and actually now there is recognition of the inevitable, as OKCLee said, its only been recent.

Personally, Im glad of all of this, not only because I want OKC to have a team but also I am tired of places like Seattle thinking they are better than everywhere else. Even tho I live here, I can think of very many places much better - especially two hours to the north (and most here would not argue against that either). I think Seattle is a nice place but there's no need to 'act better than thou' because you could surely lose everything just as quick as Microsoft built it!!! Seattle's arrogance to the rest of the nation save NY and Chi is ridiculous and I think this butt kicking by OKC will serve Seattle a great dose of humility!!

That is absolutely necessary!!!!!

[BDP]

Well because we have Microsoft, Starbucks, Amazon, Real Networks, Washington Mutual, and the ops of Boeing;

Yeah, but if Seattle was willing to part with those properties, I'd be willing to forget all about the Sonics.

[Intrepid]

The latest in the Seattle Supersonics Saga:

NewsOK: Stern wants Sonics to remain in Seattle

By The Associated Press

If David Stern has his way inside his own league, the SuperSonics will somehow remain in Seattle.

The NBA commissioner, an associate of Sonics owner Clay Bennett for over a decade since Bennett was the San Antonio Spurs' representative on the league's board of governors, said he thinks Bennett will find a way to get a new arena built in the Seattle area to keep the Sonics in their home for the last 40 years.

If Bennett doesn't find that way by Oct. 31, he has promised to begin the process of relocating the team, most likely to his hometown of Oklahoma City or to Kansas City, which is looking for an anchor tenant for its new arena.

"I think it's just going to work itself out and I hope it does," Stern said Thursday at NBA finals in San Antonio. " It's been a good city for the NBA and we'd love to stay there."

Stern acknowledged that Bennett "has more than exhausted the traditional means" to getting a new arena built in the Seattle area. Before it adjourned in April, the state Legislature rejected a plan to use King County tax revenues to cover $278 million of a proposed $500 million arena in the suburb of Renton.

Short of Bennett asking Gov. Chris Gregoire to call back lawmakers for a special session to reconsider the issue which the governor's office confirms Bennett has not been done there is no way the Sonics can get public money approved for a building before Bennett's deadline.

"But sometimes in situations like that, something that you couldn't have contemplated comes to the forefront and maybe there's some possibility," Stern said.

With public financing unavailable, Bennett currently has one private, Seattle-area investor interested in helping him build a new arena.

The Muckleshoot Indian tribe owns land that includes and surrounds the Emerald Downs race track in Auburn, Wash., and its tribal council is currently exploring how that land might be used for an arena, tribal spokesman Rollin Fatland said. The site is 24 miles from downtown Seattle.

Representatives of the tribe, which runs one of the state's biggest casinos, met with Bennett in February in what Bennett called "purely an introductory meeting."

"I have not spoken with them since," he said. "I am willing and ready to respond to anything they want to talk about."

For now, Muckleshoot leaders are talking among themselves about whether to proceed. The tribal council was meeting Friday.

Stern said he was vaguely aware of the Muckleshoots' interest.

"I read about some possible Indian tribe involvement but all I know is what I read," the commissioner said.

When Bennett, who last summer bought the Sonics with seven co-investors who are also from Oklahoma for $350 million, was asked Wednesday if he would accept Seattle-area investors to become partners in the team to help keep them in the area, he said: "I just don't want to speculate on any deal. We have not been presented with anything. But we are receptive to listening to any proposal."

As for Seattle itself, deputy mayor Tim Ceis said Thursday the city will continue to enforce the lease the Sonics have to play in KeyArena through 2010, though he acknowledged both sides could agree to amend their agreement to allow a buyout.

Such an agreement would presumably cover the money the city would lose should the Sonics leave before 2010. Ceis said the Sonics have not yet approached the city about renegotiating the lease.

Stern applauded Bennett for working through frustrations in Seattle.

"It doesn't have the arena of the future and the city itself, Seattle, has turned a little bit hostile to the team," Stern said. "And the leadership of the city and the owners and the Legislature has refused even to bring the issue to a vote. So I could understand Clay Bennett's frustration.

"But I also appreciate his efforts to sort of state it honestly ... to be there and to take any call, pursue any suggestion or do whatever anyone thinks is a good idea. He's demonstrated to me that he's got staying power, malleability and good humor."

[BDP]

It would be super uncool if he said anything different. But, if you're looking for some spin, you can consider that he might just feel that it's "safe" to say that now. He wasn't very bullish on Seattle a short while ago. I think the NBA, including Bennett, know that it's in their interest for the Sonics to stay there, IF they get a new building.

[Intrepid]

It would be super uncool if he said anything different. But, if you're looking for some spin, you can consider that he might just feel that it's "safe" to say that now. He wasn't very bullish on Seattle a short while ago. I think the NBA, including Bennett, know that it's in their interest for the Sonics to stay there, IF they get a new building.

Oh, I'm absolutely positive that this is something that Stern has to say publicly. Especially if he's certain that the Sonics aren't staying in Seattle.

Everyone involved has to mind their Ps and Qs and has to pick the right moment to say certain things.

[Pete]

At the very least, the Sonics will stay in Seattle one more year so the league has to try and put the best possible face on things.

Stern doesn't really have any ideas, he's just generally hoping something will pop up to save thngs for Seattle.

[Karried]

Well, there's always the Muckleshoot bailout.

[betts]

I suppose the Muckleshoot option is viable, but I still think it is fraught with problems. First of all, Las Vegas is tacky and Indian casinos are tackier. Does the NBA really want an arena near an Indian casino? All those shots of the surrounding arena during a broadcast will show views of beautiful downtown Auburn and it's adjacent casino? Do they also want a casino 35 miles south of downtown when the wealthiest people in Seattle lie north of downtown? And who's going to pay for the arena? The Muckleshoots are thinking if they pay for a part of the arena they can be part owners. Do you see this ownership group owning a team with the Muckleshoots? Can the Muckleshoots afford 300+ for an arena, and then can the Bennett ownership group afford to split their profits? It all seems rather farfetched to me.

But I do think that if you gave David Stern truth serum he would prefer to keep the team in Seattle. Which only makes sense, since they have a long history there. So David, move the Hornets back or give us an expansion team and I'll be fine with the Sonics staying in Seattle.

[Midtowner]

Considering the league's aversion to Vegas due to the gambling issue, I think the same would hold true for a tribal gaming area.

[HOT ROD]

I think you all are right, this [Stern] is the "required lip service".

Obviously, the Sonics are "supposed" to be here (Seattle) one more year at least - so the commish does not want to further alienate the situation when something "could" be worked out here.

Chances of that are slim to none because the Muckelshoot's proposal will not satisfy what I call Bennett's "4 points": 1) majority public funding in place by Oct 31, 2) Public/Private arena 3) Arena located in Renton (not Auburn), 4) Bennett and the Sonics in control of the arena (with all or most profit going to them).

There is no way the Muckelshoots would "agree" to those points even if they wanted to from a CIVIC point of view. They don't own any land in Renton. And while Auburn might be condusive toward building a fanbase using the major city of Tacoma (which is only 10 miles from Auburn) as the primary city - the bulk of the wealth in this area resides 23 miles to the N.E. of Auburn in the so-called Seattle Eastside Suburbs of King County. This is the bread and butter of where the wealth is here and is also where the majority of fans come from besides Seattle itself.

So would these people be willing to make a commute 41 game nights a year on a freeway infrastructure that already can not handle its loads? Did I mention there is only ONE 4 lane (plus 2 carpool lanes) freeway that goes from Renton to Auburn (it is one of if not the WORST freeway for traffic here - Already). And there are no plans in place to expand it. There is somewhat better access from Tacoma (two freeways) - but Tacoma / S. King County would not be able to fill the arena and certainly would not be able to buy those premium luxury suites. That would have to come from the Eastsiders.

[HOT ROD]

I know the Seattle Area is probably foreign to many of you, so I thought I'd do a little writeup so you all are familiar with things around here. You can draw your own conclusions as to the viability of an arena on the Muckelshoot's location if you consider some of the following:

Layout of the Area

S. King County (Kent, Auburn[Muckelshoot], Renton, Federal Way) is very similar to that of Midwest City, Tacoma is similar to a big Norman just much further away from Seattle than Norman is to OKC (therefore, its debatable whether Tacoma is a suburb of Seattle, we here call both our principal cities but Seattle is the obvious leader for Greater Puget Sound).

Tacoma itself lies in Pierce County and has its own Principal Metro Area of 1M people. This is the primary area the Muckelshoot proposal would draw from - as its considerably further to reach the areas below (which coincidentally is where the $$$ is).

East and North King County (Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, Lake Forest Park, Bothell, Woodinville, Issaquah, Mercer Island, Edmonds) is like a very big Edmond and Nichols Hills, where some of the richest people in America live. The median income level here is ridiculous, and is really why people think of Seattle as being successful - its over there really.

The city of Seattle itself is like a concentrated coastal OKC in many ways - good and bad places, yet big city. Both cities have similar populations 535,000 vs. 579,000. Seattle's downtown is at least 6 times larger, currently. King County's population is approaching 1.8M people vs. 700,000 for Oklahoma County - but King County is 3 times as large area wise as OK county. Seattle Principal MSA is usually 2.2M vs. OKC's 1.2M. The Seattle/Tacoma/Bremerton CSA is 3.2M vs. OKC CSA of 1.3M. Greater Puget Sound is 3.6M vs. Central Oklahoma's 1.6M. WA state is 6M vs. Oklahoma's 3.6M.

Infrastructure and why people here are worried about it/not concerned with the Sonics

We are not blessed with ready freeways nor a simple road configuration here in the Puget Sound, due mostly to geography although there was some very poor planning involved as well. We have one major N-S route, I-5 freeway - runs through downtown Seattle due South to downtown Tacoma and due North to downtown Everett then on to Vancouver BC Canada. This is a large freeway (8 lanes plus 2 carpool lanes in most places), it also has a 4 lane reversable express lanes in the center going North of downtown Seattle. The other N-S freeway we have is I-405, which connects near Renton WA in S. King County at I-5 then goes around the lake WA to reconnect to I-5 just S of Everett. I-405 runs through the Seattle Eastside, and has 4 lanes mostly with 2 carpool. They are expanding it to 6 lanes (some 8 lane areas) currently.

There are two E-W major freeways, both connecting to I-5 (one N of downtown one just S). The Northerly E-W is called State HW 520 (or just 520), the other is I-90 which goes on to Chicago. Both freeways give access to downtown Bellevue and the Eastside and both are floating bridges on Lake WA. I-90 is larger with 8 lanes plus a 2 lane reversable express lanes. I-90 also tunnels under the city proper of Seattle and Mercer Is - at the time it was one of the most expensive freeways in the nation.

At I-5 in Tacoma, there is I-705 that goes into downtown; Tacoma has a number of State Highways that connect it to Auburn as well as its other suburbs, this is something Seattle doesn't really have.

There are many transit agencies here but only Sound transit has rapid transit and right now, it ONLY exists in downtown Tacoma. They are constructing a 14 mile light rail line connecting downtown Seattle to Sea-Tac Airport, but this will not provide any access to Renton and definitely not Auburn. Sound Transit does have commuter rail but it mostly connects downtown Seattle and downtown Tacoma. There is a stop at Auburn, but commuter rail itself is sort of a novelty here - not really used therefore its scheduling is pretty sparse. This could provide access but then again - it would primarily funnel people from the two big downtowns bringing them to Auburn (and the trains would carry 300 folks each???). Its not quite a commuter rail network like Chicago's Metra (which is basically the same as and compliments its subway system, the EL).

There are pretty extensive bus, commuter bus, and park n rides all over the place to/from the major downtowns with local in city but like I said, the busses ride on the same freeway structure as the cars which is always congested due to the lack of options. And unlike in OKC, there are NO major thoroughfares other than ONE called Pacific HW/Alaska Way Viaduct/Aurura, route 99 connecting downtown Tacoma to the West side of downtown Seattle (I-5 being on the E of downtown SEA) then on up to Everett. 99 is ONLY a freeway at the downtown Seattle portion, known as the Alaska Way viaduct. This AK Way viaduct was heavily damaged during our last major earthquake and it's replacement is a considerable funding issue here (say $4B).

Accountability?

You all have probably heard/read most Seattle people are concerned with it and expanding the freeway infrastructure here mess rather than giving the Sonics an arena. During rush hour, it can take over 1.5 hours on a major commute route - downtown Everett to downtown Seattle; this is mostly due to our lack of breakdown lanes in case of accidents. Our "solution" during the 1990's to expanding the freeway was to take out the breakdown lanes and make the freeway lanes themselves "closer", to give us 8 lanes on I-5 plus 2 carpool for example. Oh, and for that - it cost us millions. I am so mad, because I could have REDRAWN the lanes, which is what they did, for considerably less tax money than what we were charged.

We don't really have the accountability in govt spending here like OK does, we also dont have state income tax - so that is probably why nobody *but me, cares about Overspending. I also am not aware that there is a competitive bid process here like is in OK. Here is an example, I mentioned they are now expanding I-405 on the Eastside, where they are making carpool ONLY exits at major park n ride transit areas. For one location, the contractors sat up and let the concrete develop a crack. Instead of replacing the concrete or suffering a penalty imposed by the state - NO, the contractor told the state it would take 6 months to fix AND another $300M. This crap happens all of the time here, yet nobody cares to investigate or have some accountability. Im sure if this were OK, the contractor would have been fined and would have been required to fix the "mistake" himself. I am furious because I am sure it was done on purpose so those workers can get rich. Like I said, this is why we have so many well of people here - our state's lack of accountability really drives up the cost of everything, not JUST the geography.

OK enough whining!! Regardless of the case, we still have to fix our infrastructure, #1. Not the Sonics. And given the location of Muckelshoot - its not a viable option and wont progress.

I hope that gives you all some prospective.

[CCOKC]

Thanks for all of the great information Hot Rod. I was flying from Seattle to Boise last year and heard a guy behind me tell someone he was so happy he just bought a house recently and it was only an hour commute to work. And it only cost 350k. My husband worked for a real estate developer in Boise who had people buy his houses in Boise and commuted from there to Seattle. The families lived in Boise and the husbands would spend the week working in Seattle and fly back to see the families on the weekends. Now for those of you who don't know Seattle is at least an 8 hour drive from Boise. Now that is crazy to me.

[HOT ROD]

Yeah, it is pretty crazy here. That guy was happy because he found a house for only $350K. Here we have a HUGE price bubble in housing - artificially inflated housing prices.

In fact, my house was $450K in the middle of nowhere - I estimate the "true" price to be roughly $250K-$300K for 2800 sq ft in real today's dollars. But yeah, everything here is at a premium, not sure why? It has NOTHING to do with geography or overcrowding either (as there are very many cities way denser that we are). Just think what $250K would buy in OKC or Houston, not to mention $450K. ...

Real Estate is a great industry here (our biggest by the way) and lots of people are getting rich off of it. Im just not sure why the heavy inflation (and it isn't going down either!!!).

As for the commute, that is why SEA-TAC Airport is one of the top airports in NA as well, lots of people do the weekly commute from E. WA/MT/ID!!! Otherwise, SEA's numbers shouldn't be too much higher than PDX (Portland's).

[HOT ROD]

You know guys, I had a revelation this morning:

I think. .... that perhaps this has a very big chance of happening, that OKC would "share" the Sonics for 2007 and then move permanently to OKC in 2008+.

My theory is, the Sonics funding package for Seattle will not be approved by Bennett's deadline (if at all to his liking). Therefore, Bennett will proceed with plans to move - but he may chose to do so the New Orleans Hornet's way - making a Seattle/Oklahoma City Sonics for a year then on to full-blown Oklahoma City Supersonics for 2008.

The reason I think this is true? Nobody is buying Season Tickets here because EVERYBODY knows the Sonics are leaving. Regardless of the Muckelshoots or whoever, nothing is making a dent on ticket sales. Personally, I think these "announcements" are JUST attempts to spur support first THEN if it comes they might move forward (sort of a shock, see who reacts, then if they do maybe we'll do it) sort of scenario. So far, regardless of the plan - ticket sales have been flat.

Furthermore, supporting my hypothesis - Bennett will want to move the Sonics as soon as possible to OKC, given the profitability that he would achieve in the city. However, he may want to do so in such a way as to not piss-off Seattleites or the NBA. Sharing the Sonics for their last season in Seattle does this while also preventing a "lame-duck" team status, since they would play some games in their new home city.

Im almost completely positive that OKC fans would come through on ticket sales, say if the Sonics played all 2007 games in Seattle but split the 2008 games in OKC, giving them a gradual then accelerated move out of Seattle. Bennett may not make any profit overall with this idea, but he surely would not lose as much than if he were to stay in Seattle for the full 2007 season either.

And, it would ease the league and OKC into the NBA schedule as well. OKC needs to upgrade the Ford Center, I think 6-9 months would be enough time for interiour suites and luxury amenities to be added (if not shorter, who knows). Exteriour upgrades might take longer, who knows about the practice facility (but with them split in Seattle, they could still use the one up here until the OKC facility is completed).

Plus we need to capitalize (and continue) the recent flux of retail downtown - I think we need double the current level of restaurants and clubs, spreading out to the other districts NOT JUST Bricktown. And, of course, we need Bricktown to mature - well, this shared year would accomplish this and would definitely benefit OKC from not having to take on a full year IMMEDIATELY!!! We could FINISH up a few things and get some new things underway!!!

Like I said all, this is JUST a hypothesis - an idea, that I think has a very high chance of being successful. Who knows, he might even decide to do the Seattle/Oklahoma City split through the 2010 lease at Key Arena (with OKC taking on more share through time). It would certainly justify at least twice weekly non-stop flights OKC-SEA on at least one airline and could improve some business relations between the two cities.

However, I think a one year split is MUCH more likely - with outright full schedule in OKC for 2008 with the Key lease buyout. Perhaps, Bennett could have a grand-finale for a Seattle game in 2008 with sort of a retirement in Seattle and then a birth ceremony in OKC at the next game. That would sort of "pay respects" to Seattle yet also give OKC some enthusiasm and credit for its team and city as well.

And I think the split 2007 idea, relying on the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets model, could definitely be successful and a win/win scenario for OKC, the NBA, and Seattle (at least in the very short term).

Any comments??? Does Clay read this forum?

[Nixon7]

Hot Rod, sounds like a good plan. Would the Key Arena lease allow that though? I am just having a very difficult time imagining CB filing for relocation on Nov. 1 after the deadline and then losing so much money for the entire season. I know he is a smart business man and knows what he is doing, but I just don't understand how that will work. Maybe I just reeally want the 07/08 OKC Sonics!

[metro]

I seriously doubt Clay reads this forum, when you have that much money and create news headlines, you don't need to read it. You have a highly capable and professional paid staff to do it for you.

[BDP]

Then again, maybe he's smart enough to realize he doesn't need to pay anyone when he can get it here for free.

Seriously, if he really does have a paid staff, I'm sure at least one of them is reading the forums just to get a pulse on the public's reaction to his moves. I know a lot of people downplay the internet as not good enough for traditional business or media, but it really is kind of stupid for them to ignore it. I mean they probably read editorials, right? Well, most of the stuff on the forums is no less valid than what some jag off lackey writes in the local paper...

[betts]

I'm sure people here would be thrilled to have a split season if we knew the Sonics were moving here. We'd be thrilled to have a preseason game if we knew the Sonics were moving here. Heck, open a few stores across the state and sell gear with Oklahoma City Sonics on it and you could probably make up for all the unsold season tickets in Seattle

[fromdust]

if we do get them think of the potential super star we would have. talk is they will
get kevin durant.

[HOT ROD]

as far as the lease is concerned, there are many in the SOS organization who point to it as a no-escape from the Key type of situation. It was even posted on one of the Seattle forums (I believe the PI newspaper forum), but

I reminded/informed them that what was posted ONLY showed things from the city of Seattle's point-of-view. In legal proceedings, there are always two sides and each must be given equitable consideration. While the SOS folks (Save Our Sonics, by the way) point to the lease and say - see, the lease stipulates this and that about playing here (Seattle); I've read nothing in it that provides any consideration for the Sonics.

Im sure Bennett and his lawyers will point to the facts that, Key Arena is the worst in the league, the Sonics have failed to make a profit at Key Arena in XX years, that the city of Seattle refuses to upgrade the facility to make it profitable, that I-91 passed by the voters of Seattle severely limit the profitability of the Sonics AND given a study the city did which showed the city would have negligable impact if the Sonics stayed or left Seattle economically;

Im sure a buyout of the lease will happen and wont be that expensive. It would probably consist of the rent payments for the duration plus some sort of relief on the arena debt. I seriously doubt there would be requirements for the Sonics to reimburse local restaurants or stupid stuff like SOS and others keep saying. And surely, the lease does not require the Sonics to be in a losing position by playing at Key Arena either - this is what Bennett will have to exploit and he should be very successful regardless of the court of law he choses.

One concession could be a split schedule with OKC. I think this is feasible for 2007 and could be possible for the remainder of the contract with Seattle (meaning through 2010). My preference would be first for the Sonics to go ahead and just move for the 2007 but second would be for a split in 2007 to possibly begin in January; Seattle would get the full schedule until then, then there would be a gradual ramp-up of games in OKC with OKC getting full time in 2008, along with the WNBA Storm.

My third preference would be just getting the teams full time in 2008, but this will be a losing proposition for Bennett, the NBA, and the city of Seattle. Sure the Seattle fans would get one more year (their last) but Seattle would have a lame-duck team and considering it probably will have a lackluster record again - those seats wont be filled in 2007 either.

I think a split schedule is a great compromise, to gradually ween (sp) the Sonics from Seattle and introduce them into Oklahoma City. They might even break even under this scenario. And surely a split schedule benefits OKC, because the city could upgrade the Ford Center (interiour wise) and be ready by Jan to accept more games (approaching full-time). And from the league prospective, there would be no lame-duck status as it would be similar to the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets - which was one of the most successful franchises this decade if not ever.

I think it is possible, which is why I asked if Bennett or an associate read this forum. It is a great idea and provides consideration for everyone; Seattle fans could still have games, the city of Seattle could still have revenue for the year despite dwindling attendance, Bennett could break even, the NBA could avoid having a lame-duck team in a top 15 market, Oklahoma City could have some time to get ready for full-time permanent relocation, the OKC fanbase could get some games which would ensure support.

One thing many in Seattle don't realize that I had to inform them of, when they said why would Okies support Durant. I reminded them that Durant is from this area and OKC is well aware of him and his presence would guarantee support of the team. Every game should be a sellout, esp if OKC were to also land CP3 and Desmond Mason, the Paris twins for the WNBA Storm and other OKC/Oklahoma talent.

One things for sure, the end is near and OKC is poised to be a very successful franchise - ala Salt Lake City, very similar are both cities and very similar markets. Given the wonderful OKC ownership, corporate support, a local talent roster, a great fanbase, and an expanded OKC market (not JUST the OKC Metro area, as defined by Neilson)

the Oklahoma City Supersonics and Storm should be a wonderful story in the history of the NBA/WNBA. And certainly OKC will benefit economically and politically/marketing with the teams playing year round!!

[metro]

Well, hopefully we'll see some sort of announcement soon on the Sonics. Hopefully before the draft. As you may know, thanks to the San Antonio spurs sweeping out 4 of 4 games of the NBA Finals Championship last night, the NBA season is now over quicker than probably predicted!

[betts]

Do we have reason to think there could be an announcement that early? I know now they can start working in earnest on finding a coach, but would David Stern let Clay throw in the towel on Seattle before October 31st?

[Saberman]

I don't think we're going to see any ground breaking news anytime soon. Maybe rumors or suttle hints, but I think Bennett will stay true to his word and wait until October 31 for any big news...