The Associated Press and many other sources on Twitter are reporting that David Stern has announced that Chris Hansen’s group has filed to relocate the Kings to Seattle. An expected step …
Details on ESPN with comments from David Stern.
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Chris Daniels @ChrisDaniels5
BREAKING: Stern calls Hansen/Ballmer group “very strong”. #NBASeattle
Not as strong as some of the historic mustaches of Sonics past, but strong nonetheless.
I wonder where these comments are coming from. Is there a press release? Or maybe from an interview? I’d like to hear the context.
Stern is in Minn tonight and was asked.
Is this the “announcement” we heard about a week and a half ago or so?
Sounds like things are further along than we thought (although we knew this would happen). So that gives me even more confidence if this info didn’t leak out.
Interesting, thanks.
Could be. Brian said our news would be “bigger” than Sac’s news if they announced their whales. I’m not sure this qualifies since it was certain to happen, but it could be what was alluded to.
http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2020303356_apbknkingssale.html
link
I was hearing from media sources, not anyone from ownership (who I have zero contact with) that they may approve ownership. Didn’t see this one coming. I remember getting bombs like this. Sucks for sacto. I’m thrilled
I’d prefer that news, but I’ll take what I can get!
This is indeed great news!
Stern Also said the committees on this have been informed and are convening Does this mean we could get a vote during the All star break
Tim Booth was on with Softy. Mentioned that Stern said that the Hanson/Ballmer group is very strong and that normally there are two committees. One for sale and one for relocation and that Stern has combined the two committees to review the sale and relocation simultaneously.
Chris Daniels @ChrisDaniels5
RT @jessamynespn: Chris Hansen filed relocation paperwork to move #Kings - what does that mean? @ChrisDaniels5 joins @710ESPNSeattle soon!
Wouldn’t that lead you to believe that this is almost certainly a done deal? Or are we dealing with some different circumstances that necessitate that? Seems like big news there but I feel like I am just hoping so much for the deal to be done.
Sounds like it’s on the fast track.
I’m thrilled, too.
This is fantastic.
Yeah definitely agree with that. Seems like the league wants to get this done quick. I say the quicker the better personally. We can stop being scared to celebrate too much and Sac can start their healing process sooner
I would have to think this can only be a good thing for us. I can guarantee you that Sacramento does not want to hear that this process is being streamlined in any fashion.
I take it to mean they won’t approve sale if they won’t also approve location
Looks like another mayor has been speaking with Stern:
Per Chris Daniels twitter
Seattle Mayor McGinn tells KING5 about #NBAKings filing “We are glad to hear this. This is consistent w/Mayor’s recent conversation w/Stern”
I’m sure sactown ‘media’ will spin this as good news for their camp
Chris Daniels just noted on Twitter that Mayor McGinn was quoted saying this was good news but consistent with his conversations with Stern. In my mind, the conversations with Stern is good to hear. I’m sure Stern is doing his due diligence on the status of the EIS, and his open dialogue with McGinn is encouraging.
Can some sxolain the significance of the latest news
All I am seeing is relocation has been requested.
Chris Daniels on 710 right now…not sure if he has any other info.
You bet they have been. Really no reason not to keep an NBA lawyer and rep on the status of the arena.
It would lead me to believe that the nuts that said the NBA would approve the sale and not the relocation are, indeed, nuts.
Also, the ability to form a strong ownership group and the ability to deliver on the arena will be reviewing a lot of the same material at the same time.
That’s all good as far as I see it.
I think the timing of submitting for relocation was a suprise to many. It shows how on top of things he has been, and should another feather in the cap of Chris Hansen that makes his deal hard for the owners to turn down.
I could easily see a positive spin. The fact that they’re setting it up so that there’s no chance of an approval of sale without approval of relocation WOULD fit into a scenario where Sac gets a shot. Not saying that’s what’s going on, but I don’t even think it’s a stretch to say that.
There is some news on that they have combined the review of both sale and relocation into one committee. Also, we haven’t heard anything about a filing until it came from Stern’s mouth so maybe the review is further along than we have been led to believe. But yes, really nothing too new or unexpected.
if hansens group has filed for relocation wouldnt that mean that the sale and the ownership group have been approved? you cant file to relocate something you dont own right?
http://www.nba.com/2013/news/02/06/seattle-group-files-for-relocation.ap/index.html?ls=iref:nbahpts
He filed relcation, contingent on the approval of his ownership group.
They don’t want to hear that the process is moving forward at all.
In a way this might help Sacramento make one big pitch rather than attempt to compete with the Hansen organization. But, that is about it.
The “news” part of this is the combining the sale committee and the relocation committee.
That’s not an organizational move you make if you intend to drag this out.
They will make one decision and that’s it.
Oh, and it is progress toward an end. I know, not something we are used to in Seattle.
Great news! Gives me hope for other significant news at the All-Star Game.
Off topic, I wonder how the tv ratings of Kings games are in Seattle.
I bought League Pass just to evaluate them.
This, and, have the planned the temporary relocation of the Storm, if needed, for the remodel of Key Arena in time for next season.
Interesting…they did expand kings coverage in the times, times have said not seen a increase in views for kings story.
Chris Daniels @ChrisDaniels5
Stern: “Likely” Mayor of Sacramento will appear before Board of Governors with alternative plan. #NBAKings #NBASeattle
Chris Daniels @ChrisDaniels5
Stern: This is not a bidding war. #NBASeattle #NBAKings
In response to all the Burkle bomb BS and ROFR Bomb BS….Id like to introduce the Relocation Bomb which blows the Kings all the way to Seattle just takes a little time for the team to land from the bombing
That’s 1.
I’m sure there is an easier way for me to get a count.
Wonder what that number is after today.
Oh, my . . . this is going to be such a shock to the Kings fans who were sure that their team was going to be saved for them. I can’t help but feel so sorry for their faithful fans. I remember how I felt when I got the news that the city ws throwing in the towel during the trial. Just crushed.
Chris Daniels @ChrisDaniels5
Stern: This is not a bidding war. #NBASeattle #NBAKings
Now that’s comedy.
THANK YOU.
I like the this is not a bidding war comment because some people in california think it is
huge feeling of relief when I saw the headline on ESPN. Very grateful for Chris Hansen, the Mayor, and the SuperSonic fans who never gave up — especially Sonicsgate guys, that I think was the brilliant piece required to bring back the SuperSonics — they couldn’t be “forgotten” after that documentary. THANK YOU.
very logic
Chris Daniels @ChrisDaniels5
Stern: The #Seattle application is to play in Key Arena, to play 2 years, possibly 3. #NBASeattle #NBAKings
Chris Daniels @ChrisDaniels5
Stern: Series of issues that have to be considered, and support for team in prior city is a factor. #NBASeattle #NBAKings
Read into that 2nd tweet how you will, Sac fans are.
THANK YOU too to this website/blog.
Who is the happy one at work tomorrow wearing sonics gear while getting quizzed by internal corporate auditors?
That’s me, baby, I’m rockin the Sonics red polo (i think its bulletproof).
Heck yeah, guys! I’ve pulled off from the roller coaster a bit these past few weeks, but this is the kind of milestone moment that I’ve been so hoping for.
Sadly, they think that is “fan” support.
Dale Kasler @dakasler
Stern on #NBAKings - “That’s why we have a board of governors, to make difficult decisions like this one.”
Ryan Lillis @Ryan_Lillis
Stern: Mayor Johnson will go to NBA soon with competing ownership team, arena plan ‘with a substantial subsidy from the city of Sacramento’
Ryan Lillis @Ryan_Lillis
Stern: Mayor Johnson will go to NBA soon with competing ownership team, arena plan ‘with a substantial subsidy from the city of Sacramento’
Chris Daniels @ChrisDaniels5
Stern: The #Seattle application is to play in Key Arena, to play 2 years, possibly 3. #NBASeattle #NBAKings
Oops. Sorry for the repeat info…
Well, the one place that I looked at when I read the news said it isn’t unexpected so I think it will be spinned as a “no news” announcement. I didn’t read all of what was written. I didn’t read the comments. That is as far as I got. I think they aren’t going to like it, but I am sure they will expect the NBA to listen to KJ before a final decision is made. I would if I were them.
“I don’t think it’s a bidding war,” Stern continued. “There’s a series of issues that are defined by our constitution that have to be considered. One of the things that our board is mandated to consider is the support for the team in the prior city. So there are real issues for the board to consider, about the buildings, about the likelihood they will be built, about the support from the cities.”
“So I did the sensible thing, I combined the committees and said, ‘You guys figure it out.’ We’ll see how that works,” Stern said.
Full quote from Stern
Ryan Lillis @Ryan_Lillis
Stern: NBA will examine ‘buildings (arenas) and the likelihood they’ll be built, about the support in both cities (Seattle, Sacramento)’
The support thing could be looked at as Pro-Sac with them selling out 19 of 27 seasons
OR
it can be looked at as a shot against Sacramento because of the lack of corporate sponsorships deal previously and the opportunity of them in the future.
Logically based on what the NBA cares about the corporate part is a big deal but I think that he was talking like its a good thing about the 19 of 27 soldout seasons. Lately though not so much.
Sacramento is spinning this as well we knew this was coming and no big deal. I couldnt disagree more…some were questioning if the Maloofs were going tro ask for an extension. I think this is getting fast tracked especially since Stern first said KJ would have an opportunity to go before the BoG now he has said that it is “likely.” That seems like maybe the NBA BoG has said that it may not take til mid-April and Stern is just covering himself and backtracking slowly. Stern would never change his story would he
Don’t you think that KJ was given a heads up by the NBA before this announced? I would hope that he was.
I do believe the ROFRCopters are now officially grounded at the Relocation Helistation.
ya hear that, Menace?
Nice to see things in full context.
according to ESPN, The sale of the franchise requires just a majority approval of the Board of Governors. The relocation of the franchise would require a three-fourths majority.
Isn’t it the other way around?
Woot woot!!!!
Yes.
yes, other way around
I think the likelihood that they will be built was a shot at Sacramento because of the last deal falling through. Publically the Maloofs have been damned for that falling through but you know Stern knows the whole story and maybe just maybe the NBA didnt like the arena deal so much after thinking it through. Who knows but I doubt that is a shot at Seattle and Hansen. He also could be alluding to the fact that anything Sacramento throws together will be done in haste and will not have gone through a quarter of the normal process that arena deals go through IMHO
Well Stern is never one to misspeak. He’s carefully put his words out there in such a way that they can be interpreted anyway you’d like. That’s part of his evil genius.
Would be quite helpful if it was the way ESPN says because then it would de. be a foregone conclusion.
From the ESPN article (which BTW, has been updated):
The deadline for teams to file for relocation is March 1. It’s been expected that the Hansen/Ballmer group would file to move the team, but Stern’s comments were the first time that decision has been verified.
In other words, the relocation has been filed for a while - it was just up to the Almighty Stern as to when it was announced (hence previous “sorry we can’t talk by decree of the league” comments from many, many parties).
While we spent the last week or two riding the rollercoaster, the relocation was probably already on Stern’s desk.
Way to go, CH!
I’m sorry, why do you hope that KJ was informed ahead of time?
I’m sure that Stern and KJ have talked about the level of commitment Sac needs to make in funding an arena.
either way it is yes or no for both i assume.
Also from the same article, Stern on why the purchase and relocation committees have been combined:
“So I did the sensible thing, I combined the committees and said, ‘You guys figure it out.’ We’ll see how that works.”
I smell Stern fast-track.
Keep in mind that at best the BOG will be looking at a purchase agreement and a completed (essentially) arena deal against a proposal featuring some guys who would like to buy the team and who have ideas for an arena. The NBA can’t force a sale on the Maloofs part and that will have to weigh huge.
It’s fascinating to me how each side thinks this is good news for them. I don’t really see how Sacramento fans can think this is a win for them. I really don’t know if it says a whole lot for our side either, yet.
Anybody wondering how Sac spins this as nothing but positive has to look no farther than our good buddy Carmichael Dave:
Carmichael Dave @CarmichaelDave
“Stern: Series of issues that have to be considered, and support for team in prior city is a factor.” And boom goes the dynamite.
Carmichael Dave @CarmichaelDave
Recap: Sea group files for relo, as expected. Stern says “They’re strong,” which is true. Yet the moment Burkle announces: Its over.
I check Sactown Royalty daily and can’t recall anyone thinking this will become a bidding war. When we’ve speculated that it might be, it’s out of pessimism, because we know Ballmer would probably win.
Well if theyve been reviewing it already maybe it can be voted on before april 18th. Like maybe the all star break?….. hahaha. Im gettin greedy arent i?
Oh carmichael dave…..
I read somewhere that the Maloofs backed out because they didn’t trust the way the city was going to pay for its share by parking. They said they didn’t trust the plan. That could be true or it could just be Maloofs just backing away because they didn’t have the money.
probably some of both
They’ve already been looking at the books, we know this.
What do they need to look at as part of a relocation request, and how long does that generally take? Any idea?
I smell CYA.
Sad that Carmichael Dave thinks that support alludes to the fans. We all know he means corporate sponsors because that is what the NBA and BoG cares about the BIG money
It sounds like the relocation was filed at some point previously and he is just announcing as part of the formality. At least thats what I get out of the AP article
Probably info on the location, the arena itself, etc., information that I’m sure they’ve been privy too as they’ve worked with Chris along the way.
Yep as has been speculated before. Get the sale done before litigation can become a big thing from either side. Aprrove deal and get r done
How does Burkle overshadow Hansen/Ballmer/Nordstroms? I guess I just don’t get it.
What a fool believes
Here’s one thought:
Carmichael Dave is REALLY getting the hopes of his followers up, which are most of the Kings diehards. That seems like a pretty big risk, right? Just flat out stating things that aren’t true on their face (it’s the Kings game to lose) or are educated speculation, Incarceratedbob style (Burkle and Mastrov are 100% in). He’s basically set people up for even bigger heartbreak if/when this thing goes south. I’d speculate that he’s planning to be the guy to lead the ‘Kingsgate’ ‘Sac was screwed’ ‘give us back our team’ movement. He is going to have no relevance as a sports podcaster in Sacramento when Sac has no sports team, he’s carving himself a niche as we speak by creating a narrative that Sacramento is going to win this thing so that if they don’t it looks like a conspiratorial screw job. He’ll be the white knight still standing, or so he presumes.
Ballgame.
So what the heck happened to our “quiet period”?
I feel lied to. #NotReally
Somehow I can’t help but feel this is all some plot by Stern to stick it to us again.
So essentially Stern saying “that is why we have the BoG.” Doesnt kind of absolve himself of anything to do with the “end game,” whatever way this goes. This sounds like we are def. doing better than previously thought.
I just don’t think it is good to blindside someone like that. I do remember how it felt when we were blindsided. And if the NBA does want a future in Sac they need to play nice.
http://www.king5.com/video/featured-videos/Stern-confirms-Hansens-group-submits-190125291.html
video of Stern conference
IMO there’s no way they will vote until they give KJ his 5 mins. It’s too much of a PR blow to vote before they give KJ that time
Are you serious ? Do you really think that ? Everything that’s been written nationally reports that Stern wants NBA back in Seattle.
LOLWUT. Stern just said it’s not a bidding war, what does Burkle have to do with anything?
Don’t be that guy. No reason to dance on Sacto’s grave. They are us 5 years ago.
Everything David Stern does is calculated. Did he purposely make this announcement at the Timberwolves to make note of their need for a new arena and possibly putting them on the clock?
this guy is the absolute worst.
I am confident the Kings are moving here, but I agree that part of me thinks this too. While we all think that Stern wants to repair his image by bringing the NBA back to Seattle, he could also repair his image by saving a team in 1 team town.
Even thought expected - - It was still nice to see it in black & white and confirmed by Stern. I’m celebrating the confirmation.
Of course, ambiguity and reading into what Stern’s words mean. I would have liked to see him give a timeline of when he thinks this will be decided and voted on. This guessing, living in limbo for both fan bases is cruel.
This works too.
thanks! watching it now. about 40 seconds in, stern says pretty clearly that the sale/move will be decided on in april. interested he says about seattle, “they don’t currently have a new building” (approved).
sounds like stern is expecting to give sacramento up until april to put together their proposal.
Sorry to be debby downer in here, but I think everyone is weighing wayyyy too much into the comments today. Stern made a couple comments that confirm Sacramento will be provided a chance. I think his comments confirm that Sacramento will be given a chance, but they will have to have every single little detail mapped out for the offer to be taken seriously. That is a huge undertaking in two months. If that happens, it’s “Why you have a BOG to make difficult decisions.” I translate those statements to say, that if Sacramento has every detail ironed out from an ownership group, to an arena, to long-term TV and corporate support, the BOG will have a difficult decision to make. The odds are small, but lets let the details work out over the coming months.
However, I would be shocked if a vote occurred before April 19th on either the sale or relocation (in reality, they are one in the same – the NBA isn’t going to approve the sale and reject relocation). Stern was pretty clear that the NBA BOG will evaluate the arena situations and the likelihood of each being built. By April 19th, the NBA will likely have a draft of the EIS to help provide owners with some level of comfort that the building will be built. A clean EIS, even if it draft form, will provide that. If you are the BOG, you probably want to see details come out about the EIS before approving/rejecting the deal.
http://www.king5.com/video/featured-videos/Stern-confirms-Hansens-group-submits-190125291.html
chris daniels now says a statement from kj’s office about the relo request is expected tonight
Carmichael Dave @CarmichaelDave
Recap: Sea group files for relo, as expected. Stern says “They’re strong,” which is true. Yet the moment Burkle announces: Its over.
yes carmicheal dave, thats right…. the moment a wishy washy ron burkle a guy who by all reports hasnt been able to commit to anything over the past few years loosely says that he might be interested in talking about considering thinking about possibly buying the kings this will be over. you truly have a firm grasp on this situation.
It says a lot for Seattle. It says:
- Hansen/Ballmer and the NBA are confident enough in overcoming any legal obstacles to move forward with the relocation approval process.
- The NBA has combined the relocation and sale approval committees. That says “fast track.”
- Stern is confident enough in the whole process to make these announcements and call the Seattle ownership group “very strong.”
All very good news.
going back to stern’s statement about us not having an arena deal entirely approved; i’m curious what the e.i.s. laws are in california. are there similar requirements for a lengthy environmental review process?
If you guys listen to him talking about KJ talking to BOG he says “my guess is..I dunno..its likely uh that the mayor Sacramento will appear uh before the board with an alternate plan (cheesy Stern smile)……and thats why we have a board of governors (bigger cheesy Stern smile).”
Really seems like that he doesnt know if KJ will actually get a chance to go before the Board and he is just playing it that way for PR purposes.
Or is he getting tired of waiting for KJ to produce a whale?
And this is his way of putting the pressure on?
Who knows how the political machinations of the Almighty Stern work…
Face-saving empty gesture. Stern knows final approval of the Sodo arena is a formality.
They can Burkle-bomb all they want.
It ain’t nothing compared to an H-bomb.
Why do I keep seeing stuff about how the Timberwolves are trying to get a new arena? The Target Center is being renovated, which was apart of the new Minnesota Vikings Stadium Deal. And their current lease at the Target Center is until 2025.
I don’t think Stern announcing this at the TWolves game has anything to do with their situation.
Plus there is the XCel Energy Center right across the river in St Paul where the Minnesota Wild play that was just built in the late 90s. It’s a very, very nice venue.
http://www.nba.com/video/channels/nba_tv/2013/02/05/20130205-sacramento-sisters.nba/index.html
i actually felt horrible after this video. the things they say are exactly what we were feeling years ago. if you guys can’t feel any sympathy for them you really are terrible human beings. i really really wish oklahoma shitty never took our god damn team in the first place.
Stern has bent over backwards for SacTown. The work he did also lets him leave office with ” I did everything I could to help Sac. Unfortunately they just came up short.” He will not have an image problem. He can point to the many efforts he put forth in Sac’s behalf.
If he screws Seattle - he will not have accomplished any image repair. His image will look considerable worse and open up a Sea rejected sale/relocation to litigation.
The timeline of how quickly they move thru the process will be telling.
Is it April yet ?
This may sound pretty bad . . . but one of the big reasons I want the Sonics to return is to play the Thunder. I know we probably won’t beat them for a few years . . . but I just want to face them and watch the disapproval of the fans being shown. Cannot wait until the first game in Seattle.
People aren’t aware that its part of the vikings stadium deal and i don’t think it was really mention to the media that it was.
They have to worse. Good grief . . . look at their “green” laws. Suffocating to businesses.
+1
The arena part is the real reason I am confident that Hansen purchase agreement will be approved.
Yeah most likely not, plus the TWolves are the least popular of the Big 4 teams here in Minnesota.
Here is a good article
http://www.startribune.com/sports/150235225.html?source=error
interesting that sterns says “WE have submitted a signed agreement for the team to be sold to a very strong group from seattle.” who is WE?
Brian Robinson- Was this the big announcement that you were alluding to about a week and a half that would be happening around now. I remember I wrote about the arena being the gold standard and you quoted me so I thought maybe that it would be arena related……
If this isnt the announcement is Hansen keeping that card hidden until the whales are finally announced……if that ever happens?
I think he meant “we have had a signed agreement submitted to us…”
doesnt sound bad at all. i think were all looking forward to that first match up against the thunder. imagine what it will be like when we win.
Earlier Brian said the big announcement was the potential approval of the sale, he said he had been hearing rumors from sources though not ones attached to the ownership group. So it looks like it was just a rumor right now.
id love some arena news. they keep hinting at how cool the seating/bowl arrangement will be, want to know what thats all about.
I did not know that. Thanks for the clarifiacation and sorry Friendly Minnesotan. I stand corrected.
About 15 minutes ago on KCRA the reporter at city hall said that the mayor was surprised by the filing news and thought it would be closer to the march 1 date. The mayor declined to be interviewed.
With the size of that Minnesota funding package, I’m surprised that there isn’t money in there to build an entirely new hockey arena and buy back the (North)Stars.
I apologize for this being somewhat off topic, but I wan’t get more into basketball’s advanced metrics before the Sonics possible return. I’m sure that some of the people who post on here are well versed in this and I’m wondering if anyone can point to some websites that discuss these statistics and explain what they are. Thanks in advance to anyone who can help me.
Im watching the TWolves game right now, and David Stern is talking about the renovations and making it amazing again, and saying how he loves Minnesota.
It reminded me when he was at the Key talking about how wonderful it is
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qV4QLK0HnOc
No problem
http://tinyurl.com/y9l75up
A few good stats on here (a little old so maybe some newer ones).
http://tinyurl.com/ab5b2ok
wiki with some advanced stats
I wonder what a game in OKC would be like.
There is ZERO precedent to deny a relocation. I don’t think it’s ever happened. If it gets to the point where they apply for relocation, it’s a done deal historically. Barring the very very unlikely scenario the Hansen arena falls apart after EIS, history says this is a done deal.
Me too!
My nephew has spoken.
My guess: the committee will meet at the ASG and recommend approval of the sale/reloc. It then goes to the BoG as a whole, to be voted on in April. That’s when KJ will get his chance to plead Sactown’s case.
There is one instance, but it was because the money behind the deal was illusory.
But in terms of deals with solid arena plans and money backing them up, there is no precedent for relocation being denied.
That was actually a denial of a sale, a relocation has never been denied.
I think this is exactly why they applied so early.
Throws off KJ and puts added pressure on Sacramento to get something done sooner rather than later. Not that it’ll help Sacramento at all.
Has there ever been a combined sale/reloc before? From what I know, every other move has been by a pre-existing owner, which means a) they were already part of the old-boy’s club, and b) needed only a majority vote. I think this could be fairly considered as “uncharted territory.”
You’re right. Total brainfart there.
This is better still.
The night we found out that Hansen had reached an agreement on an arena deal with Tim Burgess, I was really sick with the flu and I stayed up late, alternating between listening to Softy’s impromptu late night show and vomiting. That was the first time I ever vomited and smiled at the same time.
And tonight? When I hear a relocation request has been filed? When I hear Stern say the Seattle group is very strong? When I hear Stern say he doesn’t expect a bidding war?
Sick as a dog again.
Sorry, yet glad at the same time to hear this Paul. Thanks for taking a bullet for the team and feel better!
Sad to see Sac fans thinking the league cares about the 27 years of history they have, sadly we already know that the league and owners really, truly, form the bottom of their hearts really do not care one bit
It doesn’t make sense to approval say but reject relocaiton.
I think they are just speeding up the process. My impression there are two committees one to look at sale other to look at relocation.
At least I’m not vomiting this time.
Ironic that the league denied the Minnesota Timberwolves’ relocation to New Orleans in 1994
I was surprised that he was surprised. That makes me think he’s really scrambling to get a deal together. Also the fact that they filed early makes me believe that the other minority partners sans Cook were notified and probably agreed to the sale before it was announced in early January. The NBA hired a lawyer last year to keep tabs on Cook’s bankruptcy proceedings.
I live in Sac (lakers fan) and it appears this deal has been going on behind the scenes for close to a year.
Stern is aware of the status of the arena regarding the EIS and the lawsuits.
Though their proposal was anything but “very strong”
I don’t know enough about the political climate in Sac to know how plausible they’re going to be able to pick a location and fasttrack an arena deal with a big public subsidy through. I’ve read that the money from leasing their parking lots or whatever is still available, but how much is the arena going to cost in the downtown plaza site instead?
this.
Um well in about 10 days you need to be around public places touching as many hand rails as possible…..;>)
If you being sick is the key to great news then well…..No I dont wish getting sick upon anyone
Read below please.
woooooooooooooooooooot!!!!!!!!!!!
Can you arrange to get really sick again April 18th and 19th?
Not quite.
KJ’s been scrambling since the original announcement by all involved parties. If he truly didnt know this was coming then I dont think the NBA is telling him as much as people in Northern Caliornia believe he is being told.
Somebody said it earlier somewhere that it would be in the whales and Kj’s best interest tro be pretty far along and at least announce the investors before next week (All Star Week).. Would the NBA vote if KJ didnt have anything announced like in 8 days? I dont know if thats too quick BUT it is the NBA
this.
So since Stern brought the two committees togther as one wouldnt that mean that the filing for relocation happened when they were given the purchase agreement on the 20th or January. So 3 weeks ago? I asked McCann law how long it would take for the prospective committee’s to finish their vetting. He said around 3 weeks maybe a little longer. HMMM
Well if Stern brought the committee’s together they could submit their findings to the BoG’s anytime after they finalize the “vetting” process. Thus anytime now in my opinion that I base off common sense and what Stern said that they are using a “joint” committee
yes. CYA all the way. Classic Stern. Some of the folks here called this out earlier, that he would do whatever it takes to allow the blame to be placed elsewhere.
Off topic, sort of, I was doing a little light read of the EIS application to the Seattle Department of Planning. I guess I just didn’t really read this sentence well, “One or more alternative location(s) at Seattle Center will be evaluated in the EIS and compared with the proposed SoDo site and the No Action Alternative.”, but it clearly says one or more sites at Seattle Center. It doesn’t say Rainier Valley, Bellevue, but one or more at Seattle Center.
That is possible, two sites at SC could be reviewed, along with the “No Action Alternative” (SoDo).
One of those two would be a remodel of the temporary home for the Sonics next season, Key Arena.
If I thought it would push us over the top, I would roll around the medical waste bin at Yakima Memorial Hospital.
bingo.
from the report on kcra tonight it sure looks like he had no dea this relo app was being filed today. Hansen/Ballner group is playing chess and sac is playing checkers. there are so many articles about the kings going to seattle dating back a year in fact I found one specifically about Chris Hansen written this fall by Aaron Bruski on nba pro basketball talk. if you look Bruski’s twitter stream it’s clear he forgot he wrote it.
note the date
http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/09/11/will-seattle-billionaire-chris-hansen-drastically-overpay-for-the-sacramento-kings/
The “very strong” comment suggests to me that there’s no way this ownership group is going to get the brush-off. Either this is truly a done deal or you can expect to get a lot of private discussions about doing the E-word sooner rather than later between the ASG and April.
relocation was denied two years ago when Sac wanted to move to Anaheim. Maybe not publicly, but it was
Interesting find
My guess: the committee votes at the ASG, the BoG votes after KJ’s presentation in April.
Kevin Johnson@KJ_MayorJohnson
“As we’ve said from the start, Sacramento is playing to win. For 28 years, we’ve proven time and again to be a top NBA market.” -cont…
Kevin Johnson@KJ_MayorJohnson
“Our fans have set league records for consecutive sellouts. Our corporate community has stepped up in ways never seen before.” -cont…
Kevin Johnson@KJ_MayorJohnson
“We are a top 20 media market where the NBA enjoys 100% market share and no competition from pro football, baseball or soccer.” -cont…
Kevin Johnson@KJ_MayorJohnson
“We are the state capital of the eighth largest economy in the world, a place where more businesses work to promote a positive image”-cont..
Kevin Johnson@KJ_MayorJohnson
“than in any other city in the US outside of Washington, DC. And above all, we know that with an ownership partner committed both” -cont…
Kevin Johnson@KJ_MayorJohnson
“to Sacramento and an arena plan already supported by the City and NBA, ” -cont…
Kevin Johnson@KJ_MayorJohnson
“Sacramento is ready to show what a great one-team market can be, should be, and is.”
One-team market I don’t see how that really helps their case. More teams = better TV contract.
I’m not really sure how stating they are the capital of the 8th largest economy helps when most of it isn’t based in your city.
He said nothing.
Also, isn’t that economy in massive debt?
Not trying to shoot down his efforts, but that statement just seems out of place and not relevant to what’s going on. Just looks good to his constituents I guess.
2 teams are basically needed to make an arena financially work. Johnson praises just 1 team town. Fail.
They probably filed as soon as the deposit changed hands on 2/1.
gross!
While I commend Mayor Johnson on his efforts, the fact remains that he is still stuck in the start blocks while Hansen/Ballmer just turned into the final stretch.
“We are glad to hear this,” said Aaron Pickus, a spokesman for Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn, in an email to The Seattle Times. “This is consistent with the mayor’s most recent conversation with Commissioner Stern.”
http://seattletimes.com/html/nba/2020303689_kings07.html
I think it was meant to say Sac is the heart of CA (believe it if you want)
I don’t blame him at all for trying, but things are looking bleak there
It’s so crazy how people in Seattle and people in Sacramento can take the exact same reports and quotes and take them to mean the exact opposite. There’s a term for this.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confirmation_bias
Here:
http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/LUIB/AttachmentProject3014195ID48633014195%20.pdf
Not necessary - - - hope you feel better. This deal is done. You’ve got some celebratin’ to do.
I’ve heard $400 million and that subsidy better be coming from parking and not we the people that pay almost 8% in sakes tax already. apparently the equity partners are the ones who will pick which site they want according to the mayor and sine AEG said it will like to still be part f the downtown site and Burkle wants to be part if the ownership group that buys AEG I’m guessing hs vote is for downtown
Tip my hat to KJ… He is giving it 100% respect.
didn’t the Sonics play with Mudhoney recently?
The band?
Burkle can’t buy AEG and buy the Kings. And he can’t buy AEG until he sells the Penguins.
True, Sac starts fouling, hoping Seattle misses free throws.
Not quite yet my friend. We’re getting closer, but things could still go wrong.
Very few state capitols are also the most influential city in their state.
Take Austin as an example of a larger capitol, in a larger state, that does not have a pro sports team. The fact is that there are already other basketball teams in the more influential Cali cities.
But what else do we expect him to say in his press release. He is pot committed and is going to go as far as the NBA lets him go.
He had to roll?
This is obviously positive news that things are moving further. While I still feel that this will get done, it isn’t done yet. Yes. It sounds like the decision is being fastracked. We need to keep in mind, however, that Stern didn’t shut the door on Sactown tonight. He merely emphasized the positives of the Seattle group. KJ will still have a chance to persuade BOG. I don’t think he will be successful, but he still has a chance.
What else is Stern going to say. The Deal is Done.
in the end he’ll probably won’t do any of it and he’ll move on to try and get another trophy in some other city. Kings are moving and that’s that.
We need to remember that getting a vote in April would be fast tracking this. Most ownership changes taking months.
April would be months…
A lot of verbiage to squeeze into tweets. My read is that he was surprised by the announcement, and rushed to get out a reply before the narrative got fixed by the media.
Yeah. Announced early January and approved mid April. That seems pretty normal. ~3 months.
i just never woulda thought those 2-3 months would be such a public display. or that they may give sac a chance to match, even after the sales agreement had been signed and a downpayment exchanged.
And then tomorrow the Seattle Design Commission meets.
Among the agenda items are a little chit-chat about South Lake Union and the Arena. That’s 90 minutes of otherwise dull meetings that will get some media love.
I think they are going to talk about a rooftop garden, and I’m not kidding.
http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/planning/design_commission/project_review_meetings/agenda/default.asp
9:00am - 10:30am
Commission Business
Discussion Items
A. South Lake Union
B. Arena
Unless giving SAC a chance to match is a empty gesture, and they will tell them no regardless of what they come up with.
giving SAC a chance to match may just be to stay on speaking terms with them so they can save the market long-term. Either way, if they invalidate our agreement, the BOG better have alternatives for us to get a team within our window. If they invalidate it, this will drag on for months.
Also, KJ stated yesterday for the first time that he’s now going to the ASG and will try to promote Sacramento to everyone who wants to listen.
Maybe a coincidence or maybe not?
“If they invalidate it and don’t have alternatives for us to get a team within our window, this will drag on for months”.
seriously, everyone says Hansen suing the league would be suicide, and probably is, but don’t think the Maloofs won’t sue and make a fuss. Even Stern said they don’t have to sell to SAC.
KJ just stated yesterday that he’ll go to the ASG and promote Sacramento.
It could just be wishful thinking, but I can see it happening. Seems KJ thinks it’s important he’s there, or even if he’s been told “hey man this thing is done but you can do your city a solid by getting them ready for the next team” he knows by being there it’ll sell a more NBA friendly narrative if it goes down.
also, my hope is that IF sac matches hansen/ballmer can up their offer once more make once the league can’t refuse
Thank you Barely Able for the links
That would only be fair if sacto has a chance to match them. Right?
Stern said this isn’t a bidding war, so I don’t think this is something that we have to even consider. There will be two proposals in front of them, one of them with a signed purchase agreement and finalized arena plan. Oh yeah, and they can only actually approve one and are limited to say “nice work” to the other. If the NBA wants this thing settled now, there’s only one direction it can go in.
Several things KJ cannot nail down before the BOG meeting.
1. He cannot determine at what price the Maloof’s would sell, if any to his local whales. Presumably they would only sell for a price better than what Hansen has offered. Undoing the Hansen deal for Burkle would be expensive at this point because there is a signed PSA and the potential for lawsuits.
2. He will not have a lease agreement with the primary tenant for the arena. Without a signed lease he cannot be sure the bonds on the arena would be marketable. There would be no arena rental revenue stream to payoff the debt.
3. He will not have city council approval. The council would be fools to give KJ a blank check for an arena without knowing the cost of the building and financing plan was solid. If there is no primary tenant for the building the financing plan is all supposition. The city might be constructing a building that becomes a white elephant. KJ’s plan already impacts the General Fund by robbing it of the parking revenues.
All KJ will be able to produce are estimates and guesstimates based on discussions with Burkle. The sale to Hansen impedes his ability to construct an arena deal because there is no team owner to negotiate with. At the BOG meeting he will be asking the NBA owners to simply trust that he can get it done if they void the sale to a qualified buyer. The NBA will compare that with the Hansen offer that has it substantially done already.
In a somewhat unrelated note, I’d just like to say something that needs to be said. Johnny Cash is my favorite musician and Walk the Line is one of my favorite movies.
How does this relate to the Sonics/Kings? It’s not safe for you to have that information.
Man I’m really sick tonight.
The Sonics/Mudhoney gig happened last Saturday
http://bit.ly/XcwRP4
So when the SuperSonics return, I’m thinking the song “Have Love Will Travel” would be a good one to have playing at the Key
http://bit.ly/V1D9D
You know something or just too much cold medicine? Hahaha
There isn’t a bidding war, and Sacramento would not be able to compete, never.
At the end of the day, I think the thing that puts this clearly in Hansen’s side will be the lineup of corporate support. If you don’t think this is being worked on just because some politician hasn’t paraded business owners around like show ponies, you are completely missing the point of all of this.
It’s a business.
The signage will not have garbage bags covering it up in Key Arena.
4. He can’t have the NBA compel the Maloofs to sell to anybody but Hansen.
And sell AEG’s interest in the Lakers.
Trust me. I know nothing. Just making fever induced conversation.
I do really like Johnny Cash though.
Yep, the BOG is going to either be able to end this thing and restore the NBA in Seattle with a great arena and great corporate backers, or elect to drag it out and see if they can convince the Maloofs to “do the right thing” like people have been trying to do for years already. I really only see one way out.
I just had a chat with the shimmering image of Dennis Johnson. He said two things for all of you.
First, he would’ve rather done that super awesome inbounds play in the Finals as a Sonic and not a Celtic.
Second, we are all to go to the Dagobah system, where we will learn to be really cool from Dennis Johnson, the Jedi Master who taught………Dennis Johnson. To be perfectly honest, that part didn’t really make a lot of sense. But what was I gonna say? It’s freaking shimmering Dennis Johnson!
Back to basketball, Friday night on tv, I’m watching the Bulls pummel the Jazz.
Can it be assumed that if Hansen is the one who filed for relocation, that the NBA owners have already given their approval of the sale? And that relocation is the last thing to be voted on?
I wouldn’t think so. It looks as though they are voting on both items at the same time at the BOG meeting in April.
doubtful unless the NBA would do that to avoid lame duck status. Ive wondered if they arent holding out till there are only a couple home games left. Like I said though doubtful and probably extremely doubtful
Ring of fire?
Who’s to say it’s not all signed and done on paper, but by Decree of the Almighty Stern, it can’t actually be announced until he says so?
Anything is possible in the world of the NBA
Trying to read in to Stern’s comments: two words stand out and one committee thing stands out. Seattle ownership group “very strong” and the ownership approval and relocation committees are merged.
Makes me think the NBA will not approve the sale of the team without approving the relocation and have already vetted Hansen/Ballmer in a “very” favorable light. It looks like the NBA is coming to the conclusion it is “very” advantageous to bringing our Sonics back with the Hansen/Ballmer group as its owners.
“Burkle meets with Stern in latest pursuit of Kings ”
“SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Billionaire Ron Burkle has taken his interests in the Sacramento Kings all the way to the top.
An NBA spokesman told KING 5′s Chris Daniels that Burkle talked for two hours with Commissioner David Stern at the league’s New York offices Thursday. No further details of the meeting were given”
http://www.king5.com/news/arena/Burkle-meets-with-Stern-in-latest-pursuit-of-Kings-188460861.html
I remember when that happened.
Blast from the Past
http://tinyurl.com/bykj897
Not sure if this means anything anymore since it is almost a year old, but apparently Mr. Cook’s portion of the Kings that is in bankruptcy was apparently illegally purchased and no one is really sure who actually owns the shares. Says here the NBA might have tried to take control of the shares. Anyone know anything else about this? Again, this is was probably already worked out 9or you would assume so). I would have to believe that all parties involved in the sale and the NBA would have at least known something about this.
The compromise was the auction that will be held in April
sterno and the league have a vested interest in keeping the scene in sacramento from getting too ugly before the end of the season. as long as sacramento & kj have that so-called chance, then hope is the attitude, and the atmosphere there smells like team spirit (!) instead of anger.
i still say the idea is to use this compressed time slot to give sacramento a chance to get their act together for a future team. kings slide to seattle. sacremento slides into the spot currently occupied by seattle, which is: city on the outside hungry to get in which can be used to scare markets into doing what the league wants them to do.
april? good month for a big party. sorry for the sacramento fans, but the wheel will turn again someday, it always does.
Incorrect, bmac. The Maloofs were talked into giving Sacto one more year, they never officially applied for relocation.
Hence “Burkle can’t buy AEG and buy the Kings.”
sucks that I missed that show!!
While Stern may not have shut and locked the door on Sac last night, he said it’s up to the BOG…. which is a more than obvious attempt to duck the blame. I think the writing is on the wall. Sac would have to provide a miracle to keep their team at this point.
rooftop gardens are awesome… no complaints here. Except that it will probably make the bldg more expsensive…
But imagine taking in halftime up on the rooftop garden deck. They could have a bar or several up there. Too bad so few games are during the day, could provide some kick ass views. Still, Seattle at night is a beautiful sight.
Sactown Royalty calls this a “huge win” for Sacramento
http://www.sactownroyalty.com/2013/2/7/3963510/david-stern-sacramento-kings-sale-seattle-sonics-relocation
It’s amazing how everyone is hearing what they want to hear from that statement.
^^^this
Ziller has always been a homer but he’s been getting more and more delusional as this thing goes on.
RE: #2 and #3, To be fair, we don’t have a primary tenant yet either. The arena deal here goes in stages; City doesn’t give money and no work begins until a team is acquired. No reason they couldn’t do use that same model, or something similar, in Sac.
Not saying this will happen.
Hey Paul, hope you made it through the night OK! Did the fever break?
Yes but not officially.
This is what I took away from his comments too. He’s telegraphing loud and clear what is going to happen. And it’s not good for Sac.
this has to be a part of the NBA’s calculus. Angry fans and drastically lower revenues, even riots, are clearly not something they want on national tv.
Wow. But then again we clinged to every possible shred of a chance back when we lost the Sonics, so we have no fair complaint on this.
Thanks SpeedCat. Yes the fever broke and I was actually able to sleep most of the night, unlike the previous night.
The only down side is I really enjoyed my convo with D.J.
We totally need a new thread.
Well, Stern’s quotes included the BOG looking at support for the team of the current market and that KJ’s offer(if he’s able to pull it off) would be looked at.
So of course they see this as something positive for them.
Still, I think we’re in a great position and the team will end up in Seattle, especially with the way Stern talked about Hansen/Ballmer.
Taylor Made: do you need me to post your draft thread? Let me know…
Glad to hear you’re OK!!!
maybe he’ll come back in a dream.
Ziller is a doofus. If anything this is a win for Hansen because it shows yet again that he’s yet another step ahead.
Yes, please, thank you.
Well, I just posted it b/c it’s status was “pending review”… I believe that means someone was supposed to review it, approve it, and publish it. So I did, and I did, and I did.
New Thread Is Up, by Taylor Made:
https://www.sonicsrising.com/will-the-nba-realign-the-divisions/
no prob, thanks for the new thread!
Good looking out. Maybe someday I’ll earn the ability to post without approval.
I guess you can’t blame Ziller for being a bit myopic about this, but when he’s not going on about the Kings/Sonics saga he’s actually a really good NBA writer
seesh. This is only typical of what NBA does when it comes to sale/relocation matters. Its not a huge win for Sacramento.
I’m looking forward to that game too.
Chris Daniels going to cover this?
I know they want to have a ‘Green’ roof top.
Ziller, Bruski, Carmichael Dave are all riding on this narrative that the NBA is going to turn down Chris Hansen.
Good for them I suppose.
Chris Daniels @ChrisDaniels5
One AM clarification: I’m hearing Maloofs filed for #NBAKings relocation on behalf of Hansen group, since franchise sale not approved yet.
The Wheel wills as the wheel wants
Their lease ran out in 2006.
Not the same situation.
Yeah. Still doesnt mean a new arena is a requirement in Sactown.
Its a moot point. They are trying to get a new arena.
All I was saying is that the NBA has never said Sleep Train is not a “Viable” NBA Arena. The Maloofs said they wanted a new building. The NBA has supported this.
The NBA made it very clear here. NO NEW ARENA. NO TEAM. Key Arena isnt “viable” anymore. They have never said that in Sac.
Gald to hear things are moving along and will be glad to have our supes home again.
Reclaim the teams history, and face off with OKC. All I can say is I priase the efforts of Hansen/Ballmer to bring the team back to Seattle. I am sorry that SAC will be without a team and know how it feels, I know they probably will get another team in the future, both cities deserve a team.KJ is trying hard to save his team, but I believe
it is a done deal Kings will come to Seattle:). Go Sonics…..