If You Build it Will They Come?
The words “basketball in Seattle” holds a negative connotation to it, being something that is not talked about. Fans still remain bitter at the loss of our Super Sonics whom were stolen by businessman Clayton Bennett and moved the Oklahoma City in 2008. A major reason for the move ended up being the treacherous arena situation. Key Arena was not deemed as having the proper amenities in order to house an NBA franchise, according to David Stern. This is the same individual that said the Key Arena is a place that other franchises should model their buildings towards, but this was coming after its renovation in 1995.
There may be some light at the end on the tunnel in terms of brining a team back. Rumors have been stemming of a team coming back and a new arena getting built. Once the smoke cleared, nothing was in progression. A hedge fund owner out of San Francisco purchased a piece of land in the SODO District, just south of the Safeco Field garage. Quietly there have been talks between government officials and the league about a team returning once the construction of the new arena is complete. The announcement for the arena plan will come in April.
Not only is the NBA being targeted, but the NHL as well. League owned Phoenix Coyotes are in a financial bind and looking for ownership to keep them in the Valley of the Sun. However, Seattle would be a great destination with a new state of the art building and the formation of a natural rivalry three hours north in Vancouver. As far as the NBA goes, the two franchises being targeted are the Sacramento Kings and New Orleans Hornets. The Kings would be the favorite from a fan standpoint. What is not to like about all their young talent. New Orleans will have a great base to build around with their two first round picks they will receive this year. Either way it will be great to have an NBA franchise back in the town.