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Thread: HUGE NEWS! Clay Bennett & Co. buy Supersonics!

  1. #551

    Default Re: HUGE NEWS! Clay Bennett & Co. buy Supersonics!

    Fuel for the fire... from the Seattle paper

    SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER
    CBA team owner: Oklahoma City has sights set on NBA team


    Last updated June 15, 2007 5:15 p.m. PT

    CBA team owner: Oklahoma City has sights set on NBA team
    By JEFF LATZKE
    AP SPORTS WRITER

    OKLAHOMA CITY -- The owner of the CBA team awarded to Oklahoma City said Friday that an agreement could not be reached on a venue to play in the city, which has its sights set instead on attracting an NBA team such as the Seattle SuperSonics.

    Oklahoma City recently ended a two-year stint hosting the NBA's New Orleans Hornets, who were temporarily relocated following Hurricane Katrina. Now the city's five-year-old Ford Center is considered a likely home for the Sonics. Sonics owner Clay Bennett and his seven team co-investors who are all from Oklahoma have set a deadline of Oct. 31 to secure an agreement on a new arena in the Seattle area. If Bennett doesn't, he's said he will begin the process of relocating the team.

    The Hornets sold out 30 of the 71 games they played in Oklahoma City over two seasons.

    "We think that we're positioned for the NBA," said Tom Anderson, the city's special projects manager.

    Mayor Mick Cornett has said he didn't see how a CBA team would help Oklahoma City land an NBA franchise.

    Oklahoma Cavalry owner Baron Hopgood said the CBA team's representatives met with Oklahoma City officials for about two and a half hours but were unable to secure a city-owned site where the team could play. Hopgood said the team would transition to a new site near Oklahoma City.

    "You want to go where you're celebrated and not where you're tolerated," Hopgood told The Associated Press in a telephone interview. "We'll transition to where we're celebrated and we'll build a long-lasting legacy there."

    Hopgood, who said he shares Oklahoma City's hope for an NBA franchise, expressed gratitude to city officials who were willing to listen to the team's presentations, including the final effort to secure a venue on Friday.

    "We had a great meeting today, but to no avail," Hopgood said.

    Anderson said city officials "haven't closed the door on Baron, giving him the opportunity for him to present his case. If he's taken that a different way, that's his prerogative. If he wants to find another facility not operated by the city, we wish him well and we wish him success."

    Anderson said the city would want to see business and marketing plans and proof that the team would be able to pay its financial obligations and be in the best interest of Oklahoma City.

    "The city's position right now is we're not interested in a professional basketball product other than the NBA, but we're willing to take a look at his due diligence, his business plan and other background information and make an informed assessment based on that and see if we're wrong," Anderson said.

    Hopgood had set a deadline to arrange for a venue in Oklahoma City so he could send the team's home schedule to the league office by the end of the month. The deadline allowed him time to make similar plans in the second location if plans fell through.

  2. Default Re: HUGE NEWS! Clay Bennett & Co. buy Supersonics!

    Kind of strange how the Seattle paper has such a large article on this.

  3. Default Re: HUGE NEWS! Clay Bennett & Co. buy Supersonics!

    Yep, anything to do with the sonics and the seattle papers run with it. It sure sells papers, you know - controversy. And everybody in Seattle (esp fans) want to know where OKC stands, any dirt or whatever - sells papers.

    that being said, no news is good news for OKC. Bennett is pissed at Seattle and I highly doubt he will really consider anything else. I originally thought he'd make an announcement soon that he's decided to pack up and head to OKC with at least a split season (still could happen), but now Im thinking it may be to his advantage to lay low - that way, there wont be any back-door salvation plans which Seattle is infamous in coming up with. No matter what it seems here, at the very last minute somebody seems to all of sudden have the answer.

    Im sure if this were to happen, Bennett would need to consider it - which if nothing else, would push or extend his self-imposed Oct 31 deadline. Doing so could - could make it so the legislature could get another shot at it in Jan, where they'd probably fast track some sort of proposal through. This is exactly what happened with the Seattle Mariners and Safeco Field, for a state with no money in the very last minute - a prominent senator named 'Slade "the blade" Gordon' got the momentum and found the funds.

    Some were thinking Margarita Prentice would be the Sonic's blade but I think given time, Governer Christine Gregoire actually would do it. But she can't until the next session, which is why I think someone might try to come up with something last minute as a stall tactic to delay for the session.

    Im hopeful that either 1) Bennett announces well before Oct 31 (say by Aug 1) that "no deals are on the table are feasible, so we will a) go ahead and move to OKC for the 2007 season or b) have a split season with OKC getting games beginning Jan 2008, or 2) Bennett waits until Oct 31 then announce the Sonics are headed to OKC beginning with a split season in Jan then permanently for 2008+.

    I think the key for Bennett IS to have a split season for this 2007-2008 season. He needs to gradually remove the teams from Seattle and gradually introduce them to OKC - with a finale for Seattle end of season in Apr next year. That would be the classy thing to do while at the same time he could establish the fan base in OKC and come out break even as he'd avoid being the lame duck. And such a split season would allow OKC to do some quick improvements to the Ford Center - get that fast tracked in, then the real expansions could take place next summer (since the WNBA Storm would probably play in the more intimate Cox anyways). the Cox arena could get "upped" before the WNBA season 2008.

    Like I said, it is in Bennett's best interest to either make some announcement about relocation WELL BEFORE or Right ON/After Oct 31. Otherwise, he risks having a lame duck season with plenty of losses which would really make him look bad not to mention the city of Seattle. Ticket sales are far from wonderful, so we'll see if the draft helps make a dent. I predict, if not - then an announcement would come shortly thereafter - to give OKC a chance!

    Even if something were on the table by mid-July, there'd be a fat chance in hell that it could get public approval by Oct 31 and short of someone buying Bennett out (which he'd have to agree to sell the team which I don't think he will do), no private funding will come in time either. The Muckelshoots are the best shot and that is already pretty much Dead On Arrival due to the location and unspectacular funding plan.
    Oklahoma City, the RENAISSANCE CITY!

  4. #554

    Default Re: HUGE NEWS! Clay Bennett & Co. buy Supersonics!

    I'm not so sure the NBA will approve of a split season model. I think it's going to have to be all or nothing - either endure a full lame duck season in Seattle or hopping the "Irsay Express" into OKC for the 07-08 campaign. It would seem to me that if Bennett is seriously considering the dump and run option, he's going to have to make that commitment by the end of next month. Let's not forget that at present the Ford Center's principal, priority tenant is the Blazers and the CHL schedule is finalized by the first week of August. I have my doubts that Bennett is going to want to plug the team into OKC this coming fall if he's not going to be able to secure prime weekend dates. Anyone out there who has good connections to the Blazers, Ford Center and/or the Cox Center might want to tap their sources to find out whether there's even any talk of contingency planning in the event the Ford Center suddenly finds itself with a major league tenant looking to bump the Blazers over to their old stomping (or skating in this instance) grounds for a few nights this coming winter. If this issue isn't even being discussed at the moment then it's probably a decent sign that the Sonics are likely committed to Seattle for at least this coming year.

  5. Default Re: HUGE NEWS! Clay Bennett & Co. buy Supersonics!

    I agree, I doubt the NBA would go for the split season. The only precedent for that is NOLA/OKC, and that was a very unique situation.

    I don't think OKC would need to "warm up" to the team, but I can see how Seattle might benefit from a phased departure.

  6. #556

    Default Re: HUGE NEWS! Clay Bennett & Co. buy Supersonics!

    Forget about the split season for next year.

    The Sonics will stay in Seattle for next season no matter what the circumstances. The best Okc can hope for is that Bennett holds to the Oct 31 deadline and then on Nov 1 if no arena deal is in place, Bennett will announce the relocation for the Sonics to Okc for the 08-09 season.

    The Sonics will then play a lame duck season in Seattle, and Bennett then will file for relocation by March 08, and move the team after the season is complete June 08.

    Let's hope that Bennett does not let Seattle come to him with an last minute arena deal after the deadline trying to keep the Sonics in Seattle.

  7. #557

    Default Re: HUGE NEWS! Clay Bennett & Co. buy Supersonics!

    Quote Originally Posted by okclee View Post

    The Sonics will then play a lame duck season in Seattle, and Bennett then will file for relocation by March 08, and move the team after the season is complete June 08.
    Would that be a good business decision though by CB? Sounds like disaster for everyone....

  8. Default Re: HUGE NEWS! Clay Bennett & Co. buy Supersonics!

    He may have no choice.

  9. #559

    Default Re: HUGE NEWS! Clay Bennett & Co. buy Supersonics!

    jbrown is right, I don't think that he has a choice. The NBA will not let the Sonics leave until after at least one more season in Seattle.

    I would think that CB knew that a lame duck season would be inevitable, prior to the purchase and prior to relocation.

  10. #560

    Default Re: HUGE NEWS! Clay Bennett & Co. buy Supersonics!

    The Nets are playing about three lame duck seasons while their new arena is being built in Brooklyn. And the Hornets had to play a lame duck season in Charlotte. I'm not sure David Stern cares if it happens. With the relocation fee charged a team and the lame duck season, it makes an owner think long and hard before relocating. There's also an 18 month period required before rebranding a team, so if Clay needs to change the name of the Sonics, he needs to be thinking about it now.

    If he's telling the truth about how much money he's losing in Seattle by playing at the Key, it won't take long to make up that deficit, if he moves the team.

  11. #561

    Default Re: HUGE NEWS! Clay Bennett & Co. buy Supersonics!

    ^^^ I think that it would be a bad idea for CB to rebrand the Supersonics, and personally I hate the idea of a new name for the team, if an when they locate to Okc.

    The only way I could see him do such a thing is if it gets him out of his lease with the city of Seattle, in exchange for leaving the name Supersonics behind.

  12. #562

    Default Re: HUGE NEWS! Clay Bennett & Co. buy Supersonics!

    That's what I think will happen.....he will leave the name, because it could be an important negotiating tool in decreasing the buyout amount of the lease. I also think he might leave the Storm there for the same reason. There's no other great explanation for why he's not willing to sell the Storm, IMO. This is all speculation of my part, however. No insider news.

    I agree that the Sonics name would be great here, but if they move, the problem I see is the negative press associated with moving their name and history. Do we really want an NBA Champion banner hanging in our arena, when the team won it in Seattle? And, I think there's consistently been a lot more negative press for the Indianapolis Colts than the team that was the Cleveland Browns (does everyone know who that is?) Leaving the name behind would be a smart move from the negotiation standpoint, but it would also allow the people in Oklahoma City to embrace the team as their own, without as much baggage. Again, this is all predicated on them moving, which is still not a done deal.

  13. #563

    Default Re: HUGE NEWS! Clay Bennett & Co. buy Supersonics!

    Quote Originally Posted by betts View Post
    . . . the team that was the Cleveland Browns (does everyone know who that is?) Leaving the name behind would be a smart move from the negotiation standpoint, but it would also allow the people in Oklahoma City to embrace the team as their own, without as much baggage. Again, this is all predicated on them moving, which is still not a done deal.
    Betts, you bring up an outstanding example by invoking Baltimore in your post. Here's a city that's never actually been awarded a franchise by any of the three major leagues in which it has fielded teams. The Baltimore Orioles were the transplanted St. Louis Browns, the Ravens were the aforementioned Cleveland Browns and the NBA's Baltimore Bullets (now Washington Wizards) began as the Chicago Stags. Notwithstanding the generic, non-geographically-specific nature of each of the incoming teams' names, ownership chose to utilize a new name to make the team truly Baltimore's. I have to believe that if and when the Sonics move to OKC, the owners will want to rebrand and make the team truly Oklahoma City's. The city served admirably as a temporary host to the Hornets for two years but if and when a team decides to perch permanently in OKC it would be most appropriate to make a move that will signify the city is now an established NBA town and not simply a way-station for some other city's team.

  14. #564

    Default Re: HUGE NEWS! Clay Bennett & Co. buy Supersonics!

    I wonder what the new name could be. Nothing ever really seems to stand out. I think we should revive the 89er name and attach it to the franchise. The land run made our city and we owe that date some dignity. The Oklahoma City 89ers!

  15. #565

    Default Re: HUGE NEWS! Clay Bennett & Co. buy Supersonics!

    Yeah, I like the name 89ers, it gives it some nostalgia and is not too hickish. Philly has the 76ers and the NFL has the San Francisco 49ers.

  16. #566

    Default Re: HUGE NEWS! Clay Bennett & Co. buy Supersonics!

    Quote Originally Posted by y_h View Post
    Notwithstanding the generic, non-geographically-specific nature of each of the incoming teams' names, ownership chose to utilize a new name to make the team truly Baltimore's.
    Actually, the franchise was forced to give up the "Browns" franchise name as part of the settlement with the city of Cleveland during the move to Baltimore.
    The franchise did not choose to change the name. They were forced to.

  17. #567

    Default Re: HUGE NEWS! Clay Bennett & Co. buy Supersonics!

    I cringe everytime I hear people talk about a name change, if and when we get a franchise team for Okc.

  18. #568

    Default Re: HUGE NEWS! Clay Bennett & Co. buy Supersonics!

    Quote Originally Posted by okclee View Post
    I cringe everytime I hear people talk about a name change, if and when we get a franchise team for Okc.
    That's the darn truth.

  19. #569

    Default Re: HUGE NEWS! Clay Bennett & Co. buy Supersonics!

    Quote Originally Posted by okclee View Post
    I cringe everytime I hear people talk about a name change, if and when we get a franchise team for Okc.
    Amen. The whole topic of a name change just strikes me as being incredibly silly.

  20. #570

    Default Re: HUGE NEWS! Clay Bennett & Co. buy Supersonics!

    I cringe everytime I hear people talk about a name change, if and when we get a franchise team for Okc.
    What, are you worried they might call it something like the Oklahoma Yee-Haws!? Or maybe the Oklahoma! Surries with Fringes On Top. How about the Oil thing: They could be the Oklahoma Slickers, Ruff-Neckers, Gushers, Derricks, Busts, Volatile econonmic modelers, etc.. Or they simply could be the Oklahoma Oklahomans, since the play in Oklahoma City, in Oklahoma County, next to the Oklahoma! river... or, wait, I got it: The OKC Bricktowns!


  21. #571

    Default Re: HUGE NEWS! Clay Bennett & Co. buy Supersonics!

    Quote Originally Posted by BDP View Post
    Or they simply could be the Oklahoma Oklahomans, since the play in Oklahoma City, in Oklahoma County, next to the Oklahoma! river...

    Ding ding ding!!! That would be the winner. And be sure to include an exclamation point at the end. Oklahoma! Oklahomans.

  22. Default Re: HUGE NEWS! Clay Bennett & Co. buy Supersonics!

    Since everything around here seems to be named either "Sooner", "Bricktown", or "Centennial", how about Oklahoma City Centennial Sooners of Bricktown?
    ...this shortest straw has been pulled for you

  23. Default Re: HUGE NEWS! Clay Bennett & Co. buy Supersonics!

    ^ ^ I love the name calling, I too cringe on the idea of a team name; since it seems NOTHING would really fit or be far from sounding hickish.

    but I want to digress back a bit to this. .....

    Quote Originally Posted by jbrown84 View Post
    I agree, I doubt the NBA would go for the split season. The only precedent for that is NOLA/OKC, and that was a very unique situation.

    I don't think OKC would need to "warm up" to the team, but I can see how Seattle might benefit from a phased departure.
    Didn't Kansas City have a split team agreement with Omaha where both had the Royals? Im not saying it is a go, Im saying splitting half of the year might be an option.

    You never know, and I do know that the NBA would prefer NOT to have a lame duck year in a top 15 market. It would do WAY better to split it with or move it to a ravid OKC market. And Im almost positive Bennett would rather split and at least break even than go with a losing proposition and continue to lose millions.

    Now as for the Blazers, we shouldn't forget that the city owns all major arenas in OKC and that the Blazers would play second fiddle to the NBA should any time they decide to come to the city.

    So, no matter what schedule the Blazers make - they will either have to play their game at the Cox on a night(s) the NBA wants OR they will have to change their schedule. This was true with the Hornets and Im sure it will be true with the Sonics.

    So, Im sure this pretty much negates the scheduling conflicts of the CHL and the NBA.
    Oklahoma City, the RENAISSANCE CITY!

  24. #574

    Default Re: HUGE NEWS! Clay Bennett & Co. buy Supersonics!

    Quote Originally Posted by y_h View Post
    Betts, you bring up an outstanding example by invoking Baltimore in your post. Here's a city that's never actually been awarded a franchise by any of the three major leagues in which it has fielded teams. The Baltimore Orioles were the transplanted St. Louis Browns, the Ravens were the aforementioned Cleveland Browns and the NBA's Baltimore Bullets (now Washington Wizards) began as the Chicago Stags. Notwithstanding the generic, non-geographically-specific nature of each of the incoming teams' names, ownership chose to utilize a new name to make the team truly Baltimore's. I have to believe that if and when the Sonics move to OKC, the owners will want to rebrand and make the team truly Oklahoma City's. The city served admirably as a temporary host to the Hornets for two years but if and when a team decides to perch permanently in OKC it would be most appropriate to make a move that will signify the city is now an established NBA town and not simply a way-station for some other city's team.
    I agree. Renaming the team is more about making a statement that this is a new team 100% OKC's.
    As far as the name goes, the ones that identify some local flavor usually tend to be the best, ie Dallas cowboys, houston astros, pheonix suns....

    I like the 89ers idea. Philly already has the 76ers which might be a little confusing though.
    How about the mustangs as a tribute to the horse industry. I know people on here are anti-oil-everything but I personally like the rufnecks as well. Sports names aren't about sophistication. Oil/gas, whether anybody likes it or not has alot to do with our cities success and without it I am confident the NBA would have never been in our grasp. Why turn your back on something that has made this place largely what it is today just because you now think you are somehow above it.

  25. Default Re: HUGE NEWS! Clay Bennett & Co. buy Supersonics!

    Everybody KNOWS that in keeping with the tradition of redneckery and all the statues around town...They'll name it "The Buffalos" right?

    It's either that or "The Bricks", and that's just a poor choice of wording for a basketball team.

    Personally, I think we should just call the team "Bob" and use the Enzyte guy as a mascot. Such a friendly wave and catchy tune.


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