New News
Posted on Tuesday, July 18th, 2006 at 1:30 pm by Brian Robinson
According to SonicsCentral sources, coinciding with the Seattle Supersonics petition to the league regarding the sale, New Orleans Hornets ownership, headed by George Shinn, has applied to the league to permanently stay in Oklahoma City.
The Hornets had previous maintained that they would return to New Orleans as soon as repairs and conditions made it possible.
More Details To Come.
July 18th, 2006 at 1:33 pm
WHAT THE FUC% IS GOING ON?
July 18th, 2006 at 1:35 pm
I will post updates in this thread as I get them from Brian.
July 18th, 2006 at 1:37 pm
I wonder if anyone told Clay Bennett that?
July 18th, 2006 at 1:38 pm
Thanks, I really appreciate the info.
July 18th, 2006 at 1:40 pm
good news…
July 18th, 2006 at 1:42 pm
just curious….who is brian? i know who he is, im just wondering why hes so connected? btw i appreciate all your posts and comments from you brain!
July 18th, 2006 at 1:42 pm
Wouldn’t it make more sense for the existing Hornets to stay in OKC and the Sonics to be moved to NO? I have to agree with the person who said that it worked out perfect that the Sonics could play in Seattle until 2010 and then move to OK becaues NO should (dear god I would hope) be back on its feet by then
July 18th, 2006 at 1:43 pm
One suggestion I would make would be to boycott the rest of the Storm games. To me that would be much easier to complete (due to the relative lack of fans) than boycotting Sonics games.
July 18th, 2006 at 1:45 pm
Love how Supersonics.com isn’t updated with this great news…also, does Calabro go with them? That would be a shame..
July 18th, 2006 at 1:50 pm
I wonder how Kevin feels…
July 18th, 2006 at 1:51 pm
I’d imagine this could be the impetus to have Kevin finally end up with the Lakers.
July 18th, 2006 at 1:53 pm
Wow, people over at the PI are just bashing the supes in the comments section. WTF????? Why are they bashing my Supes??? This is not the day to make some smart alecy comment to somebody like me about the events of the day. I might have to knock somebody out.
July 18th, 2006 at 1:54 pm
“Love how Supersonics.com isn’t updated with this great news”
I wouldn’t expect them to have anything posted before the press conference.
It may indeed turn out to be great news.
July 18th, 2006 at 1:55 pm
Let me rephrase that: how Kevin C. and Kevin P. feel…
July 18th, 2006 at 1:58 pm
Just chiming in to say that I’m not even from nor have I ever lived in Seattle, but right now I feel sick. I don’t know what to think
Aside from my school’s basketball team, the Sonics are my favorite team in any sport.
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July 18th, 2006 at 1:58 pm
Myk,
I’m a Storm season ticket holder, and I can assure you that the Storm fan base is much more loyal compared to the Sonics,
where half of the Sonics lower bowl “fans” don’t pay attention to the game at all during the regular season. Instead, they talk on their cell phones and show their jewelry.
However, if both teams are to be moved soon, I will not renew my Storm season tickets.
I also attend Sonics games, and their playoff run in 2004-2005 was quite amazing, and the Key was as loud as I remember.
Good memories…
Business-wise, Howard and Wally should have capitalized on the momentum right there and then. I’m curious how these liars will spin today’s news though.
Lastly I cannot blame the city and the state for refusing to hand $200mil to the Sonics. As much as I love the Storm and, to a lesser degree, the Sonics, I’d rather have the money spent on public schools and mass transit. Professional sports don’t create liveable communities. Vancouver is doing just fine without the Grizzlies.
July 18th, 2006 at 2:02 pm
Too bad Locke is on the Sonics payroll now. I imagine he would have dug this story up and dished on KJR earlier than this, of course with his breakdown and alaysis. He just mentioned the reported sale on the Storm broadcast and the 3:00 press conference - I’m surprised he was even given the green light to mention that much on the air.
July 18th, 2006 at 2:05 pm
It COULD be a franchise swap similar to the Red Sox- Marlins one a few years back, but MAN I don’t want George Shinn owning the Sonics…
We’ll know more after the press conference, but right now I’d say the chances of this team staying in Seattle after 2010 are bleak at best.
July 18th, 2006 at 2:06 pm
Can somebody please make a Zidane headbutting Howard schultz graphic please, that would be great.
July 18th, 2006 at 2:13 pm
New Orleans probably can’t support a team, period. That’s my hunch. They have lost population and a lot of money. It could be a long time before it actually makes sense to have a team there. It’s kind of a smallish big city to begin with. I went there two years ago and was surprised by how small it fealt. The airport was tiny.
July 18th, 2006 at 2:14 pm
New group says they will stay in seattle for one year..but after that..who knows..
July 18th, 2006 at 2:15 pm
It really doesnt matter where the team goes right now. The fact that s omeone from the midwest controls the sonics, makes it much more likely that on a drop of the dime..they can be moved. Ala Ken Behring
July 18th, 2006 at 2:17 pm
they didn’t buy this team to keep it in Seattle.
July 18th, 2006 at 2:21 pm
I don’t even want to travel to Seattle anymore. I don’t want my tourism money to go to some f*cking Art Center, or whatever. Not when it was supposed to go to the Key.
July 18th, 2006 at 2:22 pm
“Lastly I cannot blame the city and the state for refusing to hand $200mil to the Sonics. As much as I love the Storm and, to a lesser degree, the Sonics, I’d rather have the money spent on public schools and mass transit. Professional sports don’t create liveable communities. Vancouver is doing just fine without the Grizzlies. ”
Yes, because its not like the City set a precedence by handing over how much in Luxury Tax revenues to the Mariners and the Seahawks?
Sorry, but Luxury Taxes are not going to be used to fund Public Schools or a Mass Transit System.
Public Schools are funded by a property tax levy.
As far as funding a Mass Transit System in the area…..its already in the process of being done…….if you don’t know about it….then you need to do some research so you can have an informed opinion……and its currently being funded through sales & use taxes and vehicle excise taxes.
July 18th, 2006 at 2:22 pm
Does anyone know if there has been any other instences of a lame duck franchise that people knew were going to move for sure even though they were still playing in the old city? I can’t really think of one, although when they were the Charlotte Hornets, they kinda thought it was gonna happen, but nothing of this nature tht is being speculated.
July 18th, 2006 at 2:28 pm
The previous ownership made basically nothing off this deal. Say what you want but with the market over the last 6 years they could have made 10’s of million more not investing in this.
They’re gone.
July 18th, 2006 at 2:30 pm
Yeah, I said in the other thread they got a deal that allowed them to break even and jumped on it.
They’re gone.
July 18th, 2006 at 2:32 pm
I looked up some basic demographic information on Oklahoma County. I am surprised that the NBA see’s that region as being able to support a team over the long haul. King county’s population is over 1 million persons (people?) greater than OK county (1.7 Million to 660,000). Second, our per capita income is about 1.5X that of oklahoma city. How many people in OK city can afford the tickets? I know they do not have the other competing sports or cultural activities, but i am still surprised it is viewed as a real competitor.
A 1 year novelty? - yes - especially a decent team. A long term seat of a major sports franchise? i doubt it.
July 18th, 2006 at 2:35 pm
Frozenropers,
“Yes, because its not like the City set a precedence by handing over how much in Luxury Tax revenues to the Mariners and the Seahawks?”
The City?
Ever heard of WA State Legislature that approved these taxes in spite of voters intent?
“Sorry, but Luxury Taxes are not going to be used to fund Public Schools or a Mass Transit System.
Public Schools are funded by a property tax levy.”
Irrelevant. There is only so many taxes that the public can bear, and I have to pay the so called “visitor” taxes every time I eat out.
“As far as funding a Mass Transit System in the area…..its already in the process of being done…….if you don’t know about it….then you need to do some research so you can have an informed opinion……and its currently being funded through sales & use taxes and vehicle excise taxes. ”
Wow, time to get personal, eh? I’ll ignore personal remarks you made against me. Instead, I’ll just note that in addition to the Central Link that is, fortunately, being built, there are many potential heavy ridership corridors in the Puget Sound area:
- North Link to UW, pending the approval of FTA grant
- UW to Northgate and East Link extensions, pending the approval of the combined RTID/ST 2007 ballot
- SR520 corridor, not funded
- South King County, not funded
- SR522 corridor, not funded
- Ballard to UW line, not funded, but included in the original Sound Move plan
- downtown bypass via Central District, not funded
- mass transit for Ballard and West Seattle, not funded (Transit Now will not use mass transit technologies).
And again, there is only so much tax money available.
July 18th, 2006 at 2:37 pm
Seems like a move an NHL team would make.
July 18th, 2006 at 2:39 pm
Hey Gothic, for you information, since you would hate to see 200 million dollars squandered on a professional franchise, go check out councilmen Nick Licata’s latest proposal to have 160 million goto researching Seattle Center and improving the arts.
Fun stuff.
McCoy, while our per capita income is much higher then Oklahoma City’s, you have to take into context that it is much cheaper to live there, then here.
We have some of the higher property taxes, and homes and real estate here are much, MUCH, more expensive.
July 18th, 2006 at 2:41 pm
Brian, I know you’re at the press conference but I hope you are logging in still here. Or Steve if you can contact Brian. I’ve heard that the OK ownership group has strong ties somehow to the arena in Nashville.
I would love someone to ask the question of them about their connection with the Nashville area. A fan from OK City said that he thinks that’s where the Sonics would end up, playing alongside the Nashville Predators of the National Hockey League.
July 18th, 2006 at 2:41 pm
“-mass transit for Ballard and West Seattle, not funded (Transit Now will not use mass transit technologies).”
Wait- I thought Ballard was it’s own principality?
July 18th, 2006 at 2:44 pm
“Hey Gothic, for you information, since you would hate to see 200 million dollars squandered on a professional franchise, go check out councilmen Nick Licata’s latest proposal to have 160 million goto researching Seattle Center and improving the arts.”
mk,
I don’t like this either. We don’t have $160mil for a vague “arts” program either.
Also, I don’t appreciate language used by Licata towards the Sonics. As I said, I’m loyal to both basketball teams. However, I strongly dislike their current ownership.
Another point about Oklahoma City - there are less things to do there, so it’s not surprising to a sold out NBA game. Even with the Sonics, most fans come from the suburbs.
July 18th, 2006 at 2:44 pm
Gothic:
— There is only so much tax money available. However, the tax money that would’ve been used for arena is not going to go somewhere else. It will not exist.
Everyone,
— This reminds me of when I was 11 and I had heard the Mariners traded Mark Langston to Montreal for Randy Johnson. At the time I was so devestated I ran up to my bedroom and ripped up all of my Mark Langston baseball cards. My innocence has been lost again.
I will also say that if I were to be honest I would say that I really only watch the NBA with a passing interest. However, coming on to this site and talking about the team (even though most don’t agree with me) has really made it much harder to loes the team.
July 18th, 2006 at 2:45 pm
“Wait- I thought Ballard was it’s own principality?”
It used to be. It was incorporated into the city of Seattle a while ago.
July 18th, 2006 at 2:46 pm
bennet got his money from the gaylord family that has built an arena in nashville, that is the connection. also ok county is not a fair representation b/c there are a lot of surrounding cities in other counties very near by that help raise all those numbers.
July 18th, 2006 at 2:47 pm
“I’ve heard that the OK ownership group has strong ties somehow to the arena in Nashville”
Probably do. Gaylord Entertainment used to own the Grand Ole Opry, still might for all I know.
“I would love someone to ask the question of them about their connection with the Nashville area. A fan from OK City said that he thinks that’s where the Sonics would end up, playing alongside the Nashville Predators of the National Hockey League. ”
Interesting. Could be possible if the arena’s big enough.
July 18th, 2006 at 2:48 pm
Can I also say that is there anything more depressing that the Groz has to be on the air when this is happening. He is the least informed sports radio host I have ever heard.
July 18th, 2006 at 2:49 pm
I was kidding, btw.
Principailty would connotate a territory being ruled by a prince or a princess, which Ballard would probably enjoy.
July 18th, 2006 at 2:49 pm
Ackerley probably could have made more money by selling out of state. He’s a millionaire who showed respect for the community when he sold the team. Some things are more important than money. For all the sewage that Shultz spewed about community, this is clearly a betrayal of his word, whether it makes business sense or not.
July 18th, 2006 at 2:50 pm
Hey is there a radio station that will cover the press conferance??????????????????
July 18th, 2006 at 2:51 pm
Personally, I’d love tohave the billion dollars back I just spent on a monorail system that doesn’t exist. We can’t come up with 200 million, but yet no one seems to complain about that…
July 18th, 2006 at 2:52 pm
“For all the sewage that Shultz spewed about community, this is clearly a betrayal of his word, whether it makes business sense or not. ”
Agreed. It doesn’t sound like they made much of if any attempt to try and find a local buyer first and that’s reprehensible if true.
Wow, amazing to think I might never watch another NBA game again if the worst case scenario comes true.
July 18th, 2006 at 2:52 pm
Myk,
“However, the tax money that would’ve been used for arena is not going to go somewhere else. It will not exist.”
It will remain in taxpayers pockets, and eventually some of it may go to fund other programs that provide greater public benefit.
I am also extremely disappointed with the possibility of Sonics and Storm leaving the city. However, I disagree with blaming taxpayers or city officials for not allocating a massive public subsidy for luxury suites at the KeyArena. It was the owners decision.
July 18th, 2006 at 2:53 pm
“Irrelevant. There is only so many taxes that the public can bear, and I have to pay the so called “visitor” taxes every time I eat out.”
If you can’t afford the restaurante tax, that you are already paying if you are eating out…..then maybe you should eat at home.
Simple solution.
July 18th, 2006 at 2:54 pm
KJR
July 18th, 2006 at 2:54 pm
You have to realize, Schultz has probably been getting more calls from his investors harping him about the team and failed revenues then MC Hammer getting hit up by auditors.
It probably wore on the guy. Not cutting him any slack, but at this point, he’s probably just glad he’s out.
July 18th, 2006 at 2:56 pm
Gothic:
— Guess what will stay put in the tax payer’s pocket: All the money they spent on tickets, hotels and restaurants etc. in the Seattle Center area. That area will become a ghost town and guess who pays to keep that place up and running. Oh yeah, me. So I guess I would rather spedn $20 to keep the place up and running as opposed to pay $15 to keep up a ghost town.
July 18th, 2006 at 2:58 pm
I might be paraphrasing slightly because I was getting this over the phone from Brian.
“The Sonics/Storm are synonymous with Seattle. And it is our desire to build upon the great legacies here in the Seattle area. We believe with the right dynamic on the court, community support, business model, and ownership group that respects Seattle, we can succeed here for decades to come.” — Bennett
“They are a well respected group of sports enthusiasts. I know that they want to keep the team in Seattle. And hope they are able to do so.” — Steve Largent, who knows the members of the OKC group well
They were bought by a group called Professional Basketball Club LLC.
July 18th, 2006 at 2:59 pm
“It will remain in taxpayers pockets, and eventually some of it may go to fund other programs that provide greater public benefit.”
You are living in a fantasy world. Do you really think local restaurants/motel/hotels/rental car company’s are just going to “drop their rates/prices” the day the luxury tax ends?
July 18th, 2006 at 3:00 pm
“If you can’t afford the restaurante tax, that you are already paying if you are eating out…..then maybe you should eat at home. Simple solution.”
Frozenropers,
this will be the last time I reply to you, as you insist on making this discussion personal.
For your information, I’m being paid very well, and I can afford to go out reasonably often. An average Seattle family spends quite a bit on eating out as well, you can find statistics in the SeattlePI archives, there was an article on it a few months ago. My problem is with how my tax money is being spent. A large portion would have gone to the KeyArena luxury suite expansion and renovation. The latter, in my opinion, should have been funded by the team owners and luxury suite customers, not the public.
July 18th, 2006 at 3:00 pm
http://www.flickr.com/photos/21379105@N00/
… I couldn’t resist.
July 18th, 2006 at 3:01 pm
Question to the fans:
— If you are to take the new ownership group for face value it sounds like “maybe” they would be willing to keep the team in Seattle. So what does that mean?
1) Do we show out in force to support the team to make the ownership group want to stay…
2) Do we not show up and give the new group all the more reason to leave for a new city…
We are almost d@mned if we do and d@mned if we don’t
July 18th, 2006 at 3:01 pm
It is on Kiro7 right now.
July 18th, 2006 at 3:02 pm
princess21,
these are great news, but I’ll believe in Sonics and Storm staying in the city only after they work out a reasonable tax package and sign the new KeyArena lease. As others have said, similar language was used elsewhere before moving a team…
July 18th, 2006 at 3:02 pm
I like it.
Here goes the press conference.
July 18th, 2006 at 3:02 pm
Interesting read Seattle Times
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sonics/2003135221_websonicssold18.html
July 18th, 2006 at 3:04 pm
Holy sh!t he is positioning this as if it will help save basketball in Seattle…way to go Howard
July 18th, 2006 at 3:07 pm
“It will remain in taxpayers pockets, and eventually some of it may go to fund other programs that provide greater public benefit.”
It won’t be in the taxpayers pockets, it’s going to fund the arts, plain and simple. Just go check out Nick Licata’s proposal.
July 18th, 2006 at 3:07 pm
Why would he think that some guy from OKCity would have a better chance with the city government? How can you even say this with a straight face?
July 18th, 2006 at 3:07 pm
I’m listening to it online here - http://www.kjram.com/cc-common/streaming_new/index.html
He says they turned down a higher bid to ensure the team stays in the area. Let’s hope.
July 18th, 2006 at 3:07 pm
The true victim here is one of the greatest players this league has ever known..
Poor Sue Bird..
July 18th, 2006 at 3:08 pm
My guess is Sonic fans better hope and pray (even more than they have been) that Wilcox and Swift/Petro are the real deal NOW.
It’ll be hard for the new owners to move a successful team. Now if they stink again next year…
July 18th, 2006 at 3:09 pm
Howard says “the new ownership group has a better chance of (keeping the Sonics in Seattle)”… wow, next he’ll be thinking we’re gullible enough to pay $3.50 for coffee!
…whoops.
July 18th, 2006 at 3:09 pm
“We didn’t want to sell to someone who would move the team right away because we wanted to live to see tomorrow morning. We figured our lives were worth an extra few million bucks.”
Howard Schultz
July 18th, 2006 at 3:11 pm
“It won’t be in the taxpayers pockets, it’s going to fund the arts, plain and simple. Just go check out Nick Licata’s proposal.”
Only if Licata’s proposal is approved. It’s not a done deal by any means.
There is always another choice, for example to come up with a more modest proposal.
Back to the conference. He didn’t say that the new owners are committed to keeping the team. He only said he _believes_ they will. This doesn’t sound good.
Here comes Wally…
July 18th, 2006 at 3:13 pm
Would taxpayers be willing to pay to build a new stadium if we could give them a lease that guranatees that they will not leave Seattle in the next 20 years or so
July 18th, 2006 at 3:13 pm
“Only if Licata’s proposal is approved.”
And who approves it?
July 18th, 2006 at 3:14 pm
Goodbye Supes. They are qualifying their plan by saying they need the same deal that Schultz couldn’t get done. Give us a brand new arena equivalent to the one in OK City or we leave…OK, then we’ll leave. Done deal. Over.
July 18th, 2006 at 3:14 pm
““The Sonics/Storm are synonymous with Seattle. And it is our desire to build upon the great legacies here in the Seattle area. We believe with the right dynamic on the court, community support, business model, and ownership group that respects Seattle, we can succeed here for decades to come.” — Bennett
blah blah blah … heard the same thing when Michael Heisley bought the Griz.
Two years from now they’ll say they tried to work something out with the city, they tried to be patient, but OK City was too good to resist.
July 18th, 2006 at 3:14 pm
Basically they are saying all the right things. But who knows what will happen. They are saying all they can really say …. we’ll try to get an arena deal done and if we can, we’ll keep the team here.
Who knows what will really happen.
July 18th, 2006 at 3:14 pm
It is our desire to have Sonics and Storm remain in Seattle. It is not our intention to move the team, unless we are unable to negotiate for the new arena.
I like that they keep it plain and simple. I’m looking forward to concrete actions of this ownership group.
July 18th, 2006 at 3:15 pm
“Goodbye Supes. They are qualifying their plan by saying they need the same deal that Schultz couldn’t get done. Give us a brand new arena equivalent to the one in OK City or we leave…OK, then we’ll leave. Done deal. Over. ”
Yup, that’s it in a nutshell.
July 18th, 2006 at 3:17 pm
12 months until they try to leave.
July 18th, 2006 at 3:17 pm
“We are committing to a 12 month process and will act in good faith” blahblah
July 18th, 2006 at 3:17 pm
“Basketball in Oklahoma City is unrelated to this transaction. We will spend a year to negotiate the new arena.”
Nice coincidence.
July 18th, 2006 at 3:18 pm
Gothic, no way you took that horses*** sincerely.
12 months is the timetable Bennett is setting. Is there anything Bennett can do that Wally, Shultz, and 50 investors can’t? No, unless he’s willing to shell out 200 million dollars. But who the hell wouldm shell out that kind of dough when you already have a modern, nice stadium in your name?
You can see right through these guys.
July 18th, 2006 at 3:18 pm
schultz _ perhaps the local government did not take us seriously enough to negotiate in good faith a new arena situation.
also says they did turn down higher offers from buyers who they felt would not negotiate in good faith with the city
July 18th, 2006 at 3:19 pm
Howard is just spewing non-stop BS.
July 18th, 2006 at 3:19 pm
You have to move to stop this thing !!!
Do it the french way !
our governement made a stupid reform, we didn’t like it and we got crasy making strikes everywhere !
In the end we had what we wanted and they stopped the reform
Don’t lose faith, you can make them stay if you really want to
July 18th, 2006 at 3:19 pm
“A buyer who really wants to stay here”
Same buyer will leave if the new agreement is not reached within a year.
July 18th, 2006 at 3:20 pm
apparenlty, a group from out of town who adimittedly does not know any of the issues will be able to hammer out a deal in 12 months for a new arena…sure sound possible to me
July 18th, 2006 at 3:20 pm
Wait, did he just say he’s “just learning about that” in reguard to why he’ll be able to make a deal when the old ownership couldn’t?
That doesn’t even make sense.
July 18th, 2006 at 3:20 pm
bennett - still has desire to find pro team for ok city but that is unrelated to this move. confident and would be personally surprised if they cannot come to terms with city and local government
July 18th, 2006 at 3:21 pm
mk,
I’m just quoting for folks who cannot listen live.
I’m looking forward to their actions. I’m skeptical so far.
July 18th, 2006 at 3:21 pm
If I hear the words “good faith” again I’m going to puke.
July 18th, 2006 at 3:21 pm
They can’t have the team leave now or they take the blame. 12 months from now…this yokel Bennett becomes the bad guy and Schultz keeps selling $5 lattes. This is so ridiculous I can’t even watch.
July 18th, 2006 at 3:22 pm
In case you have heard enough BS yet…
http://www.nba.com/sonics/news/sale_qa_060718.html
July 18th, 2006 at 3:22 pm
This certainly shows that the owners of the Sonics will be very serious about leaving if they can’t get what they want (assuming they’re acting in good faith of course).
OK has gone out of its way to get a team in their city, Seattle hasn’t. Perhaps if Seattle truly wants a team here, they’ll “try” to keep them here.
July 18th, 2006 at 3:23 pm
I feel so dirty listening to this…I may have to go take a shower…are people really stupid enough to believe this??
July 18th, 2006 at 3:23 pm
“I like that they keep it plain and simple. I’m looking forward to concrete actions of this ownership group.”
Gothic, I was responding to this…I thought this was your commentary.
July 18th, 2006 at 3:24 pm
This is like George Bush saying he didn’t want to invade Iraq.
Sorry for the analogy..but it just reminds me of it.
We all know what’s going to happen.
July 18th, 2006 at 3:24 pm
Well they might be gone but at least they’ll be here for one more season. Enough time to see if the Hornets move to OK first.
July 18th, 2006 at 3:25 pm
“…We are trying to do everything within our power…”
But what IS your power?
July 18th, 2006 at 3:26 pm
“Gothic, I was responding to this…I thought this was your commentary.”
I did like the fact that he explained his position in two sentences. Much nicer than Horward.
July 18th, 2006 at 3:26 pm
Don’t you just wish a reporter would stand up and ask if they really think that the public should believe them..
July 18th, 2006 at 3:27 pm
When’s Brian going to ask a question?
Sonics are gone, guaranteed right here right now.
July 18th, 2006 at 3:27 pm
I love how Shultz just sidestepped the question about local offers for the team which the Sonics just completely ignored. He turned it on state represenatives saying how he was dissappointed that those things were not kept confidential. This is such a sham.
We are done here. Bennett is acting like he doesn’t know what is going on with the lease. Shultz is flat out lying. We are done here. One and done. Its a sad sad day.
July 18th, 2006 at 3:27 pm
Q: “Mr. Bennett, if you can’t reach an acceptable deal for a new arena, will you consider buying out the remaining lease?”
A: (abrupt) “Haven’t gotten that far.”
Translation: “I’ve already made out the check.”
July 18th, 2006 at 3:28 pm
This makes me laugh. We’re going to give this arena thing a shot - not sure what the issues are - check our options - thousand points of light - stay the course - we’re from freakin’ Oklahoma for God’s sake - I thought Seattle was in Canada.
July 18th, 2006 at 3:29 pm
Basically, how I see it, and how it sounds like Mr Bennett is seeing it, is that whether this deal gets done or not for the Supes staying in Seattle, hinges on their record next season.
Could mean some good things for the Chris Wilcox negotiations.
Could mean some bad things.
Softie getting 2 questions…Niiiice..
July 18th, 2006 at 3:29 pm
wow, softy asked a good question…
July 18th, 2006 at 3:30 pm
Well….
OKCHornetsCentral.com is excited about the news. Bastards…
http://www.okchornetscentral.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=1&sid=e71e04b64a03236ab11fb551801d1e98
July 18th, 2006 at 3:31 pm
What is somewhat sad is that if they weren’t lying this would all be such great news…
July 18th, 2006 at 3:31 pm
Well… The bastards at OKChornetscentral.com sure seem happy.
July 18th, 2006 at 3:32 pm
What was the good question?
July 18th, 2006 at 3:33 pm
“An average Seattle family spends quite a bit on eating out as well, you can find statistics in the SeattlePI archives, there was an article on it a few months ago”
I could care less how much you make…….I do quite well myself and don’t complain one bit about paying a restaurant tax when I eat out.
You missed the point……the average Seattle family doesn’t have to spend quite a bit eating out……its their choice to. If they can’t afford to, then they should be eating at home……..plus how much of that is atributed to the restaurant tax…..a menial amount.
July 18th, 2006 at 3:36 pm
30 minutes of lies…..but what do we expect. Its all calculated. Once we move they’ll just say “We couldn’t get a deal done”. Easy as that. They have said all the right things, whether they are lying or not, and laid the ground work for a move.
July 18th, 2006 at 3:36 pm
Thoughts off the top of my head…
City/region has a year to get something done. Kind of like when Allen purchased the option to acquire the Seahawks - and before you say “Allen wasn’t from OKC”, remember that it was only an option to purchase…no new stadium would have meant option expires, Behring still owns team, etc…
I’m thinking back to when the Bellevue rumors surfaced…wasn’t there a quote from one of the business leaders that basically said that they weren’t going to be played off against Seattle, but would take a serious look at this if negotiations with Seattle died?
Not ready to give up yet…
July 18th, 2006 at 3:36 pm
I’m feel sorry for all the Sonics fans. Hopefully things turn around in the next 12 months, an arena deal gets done and y’all can keep your team.
I know it seems doubtful, but 12 months is 12 months. A lot can change.
July 18th, 2006 at 3:37 pm
I just can’t believe I wasted the last 30 days of my life aruging with people about Sene and Chris Wilcox for a team owned by such trash
July 18th, 2006 at 3:38 pm
They did nothing to reassure people… the only chance we have is if the Hornets are successful in staying in OKC. Then there is a shot they give a good, honest effort to stay here. Beyond that, I don’t see them even coming close to meeting the city or state half way, as Shultz said.
July 18th, 2006 at 3:39 pm
Now I want to hear about the negotiation process with the new ownership from local politicians. They may provide some useful information about how serious they are.
July 18th, 2006 at 3:39 pm
Here is what will happen:
— Sale Happens
— Ticket Sales Plunge (for obvious reasons)
— Year goes by with minimal attendence
— Ownership group claims that the fans didn’t support the team so they “have” to move them
What is so depressing is that these people actually walk the Earth and can use justifications like this.
July 18th, 2006 at 3:40 pm
By the way, Howard and Wally may not have realized it, but at the press conference they indirectly acknowledged that their negotiating skills are extremely poor.
July 18th, 2006 at 3:40 pm
“I know it seems doubtful, but 12 months is 12 months. A lot can change.”
12 months of time for state legislators might as well be 5 minutes.
“I just can’t believe I wasted the last 30 days of my life aruging with people about Sene and Chris Wilcox for a team owned by such trash”
Not so fast myk…The OKC Sonics will need some bloggers
July 18th, 2006 at 3:41 pm
“I just can’t believe I wasted the last 30 days of my life aruging with people about Sene and Chris Wilcox for a team owned by such trash ”
If it makes you feel any better about it, they’re gone now …
July 18th, 2006 at 3:42 pm
We went through the same thing here in San Antonio with the Spurs a few years back before the deal for the SBC/AT&T Arena got done.
It can still get done.
July 18th, 2006 at 3:43 pm
My point is that it bothers me that I allowed myself to be emotionally invested into a team for a sport that I honestly would rate third behind MLB and NFL. Oh well, I will admit the biggest thing I will miss is hearing KC.,..
July 18th, 2006 at 3:43 pm
“By the way, Howard and Wally may not have realized it, but at the press conference they indirectly acknowledged that their negotiating skills are extremely poor. ”
That’s not much of a surprise, although to be fair they were trying to negotiate with the guy who said that the Sonics have no cultural or economic value to the City …
July 18th, 2006 at 3:43 pm
Bennett sounded like a slug.
Ugh, that smiley was happy, didn’t want it to be happy..
July 18th, 2006 at 3:44 pm
12 months, eh?
well, in the words of Jake Taylor, from Major League:
“I guess theres just one thing left to do… win the whole f&%*ing thing”
oh wait… we suck
#&*@!!!
July 18th, 2006 at 3:45 pm
Oh, and the worst part, it’s Kevin Callabro’s birthday sometime this week.
Man, this is probably killing him.
I’m sorry KC.
July 18th, 2006 at 3:45 pm
Wonder what happens to Sund and the rest of the FO
July 18th, 2006 at 3:46 pm
Listened to the press conference on KJR. I agree with their assesment that you would have to be five years old to believe what was being said.
They ripped into Schultz.
I have to say this. I’ve seen this exact performance before with different actors here in Vancouver. Michael Heisley said the same things about being in it for the long term “if the conditions were right”. Actually I’m amazed at how similar todays conference was to the one I watched years ago in Vancouver. It wouldn’t surprise me if Clay Bennett sings the national anthem at Key Arena like Heisley did in Vancouver.
Steve is right. They didn’t buy the Sonics to keep them in Seattle. The only important question now is how long will they be here? Until the lease runs out? Or sooner.
July 18th, 2006 at 3:46 pm
So what happens to the current FO? Is it business as usual for the team as far as basketball is concerned?
July 18th, 2006 at 3:46 pm
Schultz is the DEVIL and I have facts that can PROVE IT CONCLUSIVELY.
blog.dickard.net
July 18th, 2006 at 3:47 pm
“Wonder what happens to Sund and the rest of the FO ”
I’m sure they’ll be replaced, soon after the team is moved. Ownership will want their own guys running the franchise they bought.
July 18th, 2006 at 3:48 pm
This hurts really, really bad…
July 18th, 2006 at 3:49 pm
“Here is what will happen:
— Sale Happens
— Ticket Sales Plunge (for obvious reasons)
— Year goes by with minimal attendence
— Ownership group claims that the fans didn’t support the team so they “have” to move them ”
No question that is their playbook. If they were trying to reassure people, they did a horrible job of doing it. Their absolute ignorance about the challenges they face to keep the team here tells the story. They sold the team to people that have no intention of keeping the team here, IMO. Shultz’ name is mud… he’s a pathological liar. Everything he said of consequence was a complete lie, IMO. That press conference was a nightmare for ticket sales, probably by design.
July 18th, 2006 at 3:49 pm
“Say what you want but with the market over the last 6 years they could have made 10’s of million more not investing in this.”
If the rumored purchase amount is close to being correct, the Schultz ownership group will make a profit of around $100 million, after taking operating losses into account. They’re crying all the way to the bank.
July 18th, 2006 at 3:51 pm
“I just can’t believe I wasted the last 30 days of my life aruging with people about Sene and Chris Wilcox for a team owned by such trash”
BEST thing I herd all day! I guss this puts the ball in the city’s court. Whats up with local big money fat cats? This deal still has to be approved by Stern. Local politicans step in, new owner steps up BANG! BILL GATES where you at homie!? This is serious charity work!
July 18th, 2006 at 3:56 pm
I was almost willing to buy into the idea that the new owners bought the team figuring that they would have a team if they had to leave but could sell it to other local buyers if they negotiate a good deal for the arena…UNTIL I heard the new owner talk.
What I heard from him…we sit down with the negotiators and tell them that Oklahoma City and the state of Oklahoma are going to give them everything in the world and if Seattle/Washington offer the same thing they have a deal…otherwise they can move where they are wanted.
The rhetoric is just to protect ticket sales for a couple of years. People like me have been wondering how we get refunds on our season tickets for this year. I have little interest in paying to watch the NBA Oklahoma City Tumbleweeds and the WNBA Oklahoma City Tornados in their temporary home within Seattle’s kiddie playground, art and tourist destination known as Licata Center .
July 18th, 2006 at 3:58 pm
Although everyone should have seen this coming a mile away with using the first round pick on Sene.
July 18th, 2006 at 4:02 pm
Myk, you’re righ on. It should be a wonderful day in the neighborhood. Too bad it’s all fake. Done and dusted, the Sonics are out. In the end, I won’t be that upset. I have so much time and energy vested in this team that it makes me sick to hear it all. However, I love basketball and it doesn’t make that much of a difference if they stay or go. All I want is to enjoy the game. Like I said: a sports team is an addiction, which is why we’re all crazy, spoiled fanatics. All I can think about is how much I really appreciate the game itself. Who knows? They actually might stay.
Screw it… I’m gonna go shoot some hoops. Hopefully I don’t break anyone’s limbs in the process.
July 18th, 2006 at 4:04 pm
If the team moves to OKC and changes it’s name who will everyone route for?
July 18th, 2006 at 4:05 pm
Please email your complaints with our wonderful city council here:
nick.licata@seattle.gov
July 18th, 2006 at 4:06 pm
I hope they give Wilcox Lewis, Collison, and Ridnour as much money as they can over 5-6 years in order to mess up the franchise.
July 18th, 2006 at 4:10 pm
“If the team moves to OKC and changes it’s name who will everyone route for?”
Unlike the other major sports leagues, the Sonics are by far and away my favorite team and I have no “second favorite.”
I guess I’ll have to root for the Phoenix Suns since they are about to have two UNLV Alumns.
July 18th, 2006 at 4:10 pm
I feel bad for the people that put together this awesome site. Thanks for all your hard work.
July 18th, 2006 at 4:11 pm
“If the rumored purchase amount is close to being correct, the Schultz ownership group will make a profit of around $100 million, after taking operating losses into account. They’re crying all the way to the bank.”
Given the local markets, I could have easily made the initial 200 million investment into close to 2 billion (probably without trying). 100 million is piddly.
July 18th, 2006 at 4:12 pm
Better yet, call his sorry a** at (206) 684-8803.
July 18th, 2006 at 4:13 pm
I’ve been in tears all afternoon, I don’t even know what to say
July 18th, 2006 at 4:13 pm
“I feel bad for the people that put together this awesome site. Thanks for all your hard work.”
Yeah, seriously. As sad as I am right now, thanks for everything. I really REALLY hope this isn’t the end, though…
July 18th, 2006 at 4:16 pm
“I feel bad for the people that put together this awesome site. Thanks for all your hard work. ”
Thanks for your patronage. It’s been fun for me regardless of what happens.
July 18th, 2006 at 4:17 pm
Although everyone should have seen this coming a mile away with using the first round pick on Sene.
Sene was a great pick.
July 18th, 2006 at 4:19 pm
“Given the local markets, I could have easily made the initial 200 million investment into close to 2 billion (probably without trying). 100 million is piddly.”
I am sure you are joking but… This is just silly. First, your full of it. Second, it has nothing to do with anything. He bought a basketball team, he wasn’t looking for a huge ROI in 5 years. No one in their right mind would expect a big ROI, especially on this team, in that short of time.
I don’t know why Shultz doesn’t just hire you… you could turn his fortune into billions without even trying.
July 18th, 2006 at 4:19 pm
Scott,
I understand your point about the ROI. However, I still think it is a valid point that they got to enjoy the perks of ownership and still at least come out somewhat ahead. Basically, don’t feel sorry for them like they had to close up shop due to their financial contraints…
July 18th, 2006 at 4:21 pm
Sene IS a great pick!
July 18th, 2006 at 4:28 pm
Myk said: “However, I still think it is
a valid point that they got to enjoy the perks of ownership and
still at least come out somewhat ahead.” See, this is where we start to lose all perspective. At a minimum, Schultz made a few million. For what? He didn’t work at it. That was Wally’s job, and Sund’s. He got front row seats to any game he wanted, and every other perk, most of which I can’t or don’t want to imagine. The fact is, he’s living in a different universe, where a return of only a few million for doing jack for six years and then punching a city in the gut is supposed to be some kind of raw deal? Excuse me while I puke all over the nearest Starbucks.
July 18th, 2006 at 4:28 pm
I like how Shultz claimed there were offers for more money to buy the team from ownership that was more likely to move the team.
MORE LIKELY THAN AN OKLAHOMA BASED GROUP WITH A NEW ARENA?
LIKE WHO? GIVE ME A BREAK.
July 18th, 2006 at 4:30 pm
So here is what I find odd…you know that on opening night there will be at least a few thousand fans there to watch the games. Who are these people? What would they be thinking?
July 18th, 2006 at 4:31 pm
Any more info on the Hornets petitioning to stay in OKC? If true, look for that petition to…hmmm…not be acted upon (maybe not even made public?) until after the Seattle situation is resolved. It’s all about leverage…
July 18th, 2006 at 4:31 pm
What I don’t understand is if they were going to sell the team why wouldn’t they have just taken the highest bidder? I mean c’mon we know the team is going to move they might as well tried to make as much money as possible…
July 18th, 2006 at 4:34 pm
I like how Shultz claimed there were offers for more money to buy the team from ownership that was more likely to move the team.
MORE LIKELY THAN AN OKLAHOMA BASED GROUP WITH A NEW ARENA?
LIKE WHO? GIVE ME A BREAK.
like probably Jay-z and crew from NY
July 18th, 2006 at 4:34 pm
Howard Schulz just lied to the entire seattle public.
No way is this guy, who is committed to bringing a team to OKC, keeping the team in Seattle
STOP LYING HOWARD.
July 18th, 2006 at 4:34 pm
“So here is what I find odd…you know that on opening night there will be at least a few thousand fans there to watch the games. Who are these people? What would they be thinking?”
Well, this is the tough part…sure, you want to stay away and not invest your heart or your $ in a team that may leave. But if you do stay away, doesn’t that give them even more of an excuse to leave?
July 18th, 2006 at 4:35 pm
“What I don’t understand is if they were going to sell the team why wouldn’t they have just taken the highest bidder?”
The talk of other offers is just another lie. Why wouldn’t they take more money? They would have. I would just like to know where the other so called ownership groups, who would move the team, were from? How could they have been in a more likely to move the team situation than OK city with a new arena????? Does such a place exist?
July 18th, 2006 at 4:35 pm
The return on investment was 37% over the last 5 years…..which is phenominal on any level…are you joking??/ or what the hell is your claim of making 2 billion????over the course of history anything over 10% is good …………….Owners always make money…almost always….they might “lose some each year…but they always sell the teams for more in the future….appreciation of franchise value is where the money always happens…just like this case…..Shultz could have held on to the club indefinently and sold it later for more money
July 18th, 2006 at 4:37 pm
If tickets plummet in price or become widely available through contests and unused company tickets, of course people will go. Wouldn’t you? It’s not like it will suddenly become un-entertaining to watch professional basketball.
I mean, more people show up at Key Arena to watch the Lakers than the Sonics as is.
July 18th, 2006 at 4:38 pm
“like probably Jay-z and crew from NY”
I highly doubt it. #1 Jay-z already has a stake in another team, the Nets. #2 they are having more trouble getting arena love in Brooklyn than we are in Seattle. Why would you make an offer to buy another team to try to move them when you couldn’t move your existing team there?
July 18th, 2006 at 4:38 pm
Ted:
I covered this in a previous post:
“Here is what will happen:
— Sale Happens
— Ticket Sales Plunge (for obvious reasons)
— Year goes by with minimal attendence
— Ownership group claims that the fans didn’t support the team so they “have” to move them ”
Just total cr@p…
July 18th, 2006 at 4:39 pm
“So here is what I find odd…you know that on opening night there will be at least a few thousand fans there to watch the games. Who are these people? What would they be thinking?”
Eastside corporate types who get tickets as an incentive. KeyArena is already full of them.
Hardcore basketball junkies may also attend as a chance to scout players or see the other team, e.g. folks from Vancouver will come to see Steve Nash, etc.
“What I don’t understand is if they were going to sell the team why wouldn’t they have just taken the highest bidder?”
I don’t believe they had a higher bidder who was serious enough to start concrete negotiations. And I won’t believe it until the new ownership signs a new arena deal with Seattle, Bellevue or Renton.
July 18th, 2006 at 4:39 pm
“How could they have been in a more likely to move the team situation than OK city with a new arena????? Does such a place exist?”
One potential was looking to move them to Anaheim, if I remember the LA Times (I think) story correctly…
July 18th, 2006 at 4:39 pm
“How could they have been in a more likely to move the team situation than OK city with a new arena????? Does such a place exist?”
One potential was looking to move them to Anaheim, if I remember the LA Times (I think) story correctly…
July 18th, 2006 at 4:39 pm
Interesting piece of info from the times:
Bennett was an influential local businessman who had previously been on the board of directors for the Spurs when they were owned by his wife’s family, the Gaylords. Bennett tried to attract an NHL franchise to Oklahoma City in the mid-1990s, said Cornett.
Gaylord entertainment is based in Nashville, which also has a relatively new arena and a metro population of 1.4M (200K more than OK City). Might be a secondary destination if the Hornets do end up staying put indefinitely.
July 18th, 2006 at 4:39 pm
Is Ken Behring a part of the Oklahoma investment group???
July 18th, 2006 at 4:40 pm
Green_NGold:
– I might go if the game was free, but it wouldn’t be a slam dunk. It doesn’t even have to do with me being at ownership I just would have no desire to want to go support a team that I will not be supporting next year. It would be no different than if Atlanta and Orlando came up here and played a game.
July 18th, 2006 at 4:40 pm
“So here is what I find odd…you know that on opening night there will be at least a few thousand fans there to watch the games. Who are these people? What would they be thinking? ”
“Dude, these seats I bought off eBay rock”
“Go Clippers!”
July 18th, 2006 at 4:43 pm
Ted:
I covered this in a previous post:
“Here is what will happen:
— Sale Happens
— Ticket Sales Plunge (for obvious reasons)
— Year goes by with minimal attendence
— Ownership group claims that the fans didn’t support the team so they “have” to move them ”
Just total cr@p…
=====
So why give them that excuse? As a previous poster said, it’s not as though NBA basketball will suddenly cease to be entertaining…
Look at it this way - supporting them might not make a difference (they might move because of the arena situation.) But they definitely *will* move if the fans all of a sudden just stop supporting them. Again, why hand that excuse to them?
July 18th, 2006 at 4:44 pm
New ownership has already softened the blow of the inevitable move. By saying we have a year…..after the year when we move they can just say “We said all along we’d give it a year”. By making the sale now….undoubtedly ticket sales are going to drop for this season. Another good reason to move the team. “We just don’t have the fan support”. Its shady….but it will work. I don’t expect new ownership to come right out and say “our intent is to move the team”. But we can all read between the lines on this one. We aren’t going to be looking at news headlines that read “OK city businessman with a new arena intends to keep team in Seattle”. The writing is on the wall.
I’m going to want to go to as many games as I can next season. I’m going to miss pro hoops in Seattle. But at the same time….its going to be really hard to do.
July 18th, 2006 at 4:44 pm
Wow look at this:
SURVEY
What will the Sonics sale mean for Seattle?
Is this the beginning of the end for Seattle NBA fans?
Yes, the Sonics will take off as soon as they can. - 77%
No, the Sonics will stay where they’ve been since 1967. - 6%
Nothing’s certain yet. Let’s wait and see. - 17%
Total votes: 7,896
Disclaimer
There are actually: 474 fans who think the Sonics will stay and 1,342 who don’t know yet…wow
July 18th, 2006 at 4:45 pm
Well Ted, I guess I’d rather than do that to help them make money when they will move the team regardless…
July 18th, 2006 at 4:46 pm
So….
What is the over/under of how long people really keep up this Starbuck boycott…
July 18th, 2006 at 4:47 pm
Myk - guess we’ll have to agree to disagree.
I don’t think it’s time to give up yet - yes, it looks bad on the surface, but there are possibilities still in play…
July 18th, 2006 at 4:47 pm
Props to profanity man….
July 18th, 2006 at 4:51 pm
Starbucks boycott is pointless.
July 18th, 2006 at 4:53 pm
Oh yeah, baby! The only good news I’ve heard all day, “The Sonics possibly to Anaheim.” I’m five minutes from Anaheim, awesome!
Maybe they can name them the Anaheim Sonic-Mallards, to go along with the Mighty Ducks…I still haven’t seen a duck since I moved to SoCali 7 years ago, whatevs.
July 18th, 2006 at 4:55 pm
“Starbucks boycott is pointless.”
I don’t care. I’m still doing it. Too bad you guys don’t have Coffee Bean up there cause it’s better anyway.
July 18th, 2006 at 5:02 pm
Five posts in one….
First of all Bennett looks evil in the pic on the sonics website.
Second, to find some light in this dark dark dark tunnel that is my day… I will be able to buy 10 dollar seats and have no trouble moving down next year.
Third, we still have one year. eventually this shock will subside and we will be back to worrying about wilcox’s contract and Sene’s Progress and if Ray can keep earning his contract etc.
Fourth… this site is just getting F***ing Great! I mean look at how well we have been covering summer league, just think about the games next year. I hope this doesnt ruin everyones interest… Brian, Steve, and all the writers, youve done a great job so far and we all know we will be here next year.
Fifth… I wish i could be in denial about this, but i would say there is a 98% chance the sonics only have one season left in seattle and a 2% chance they are here till 2010 and a 0% chance that they will be here after that.
July 18th, 2006 at 5:02 pm
“I don’t care. I’m still doing it. Too bad you guys don’t have Coffee Bean up there cause it’s better anyway.”
Make sure to boycott Car Toys and T-Mobile too. Also the creator of that game “Scene it”…….he was part of the ownership group. Make sure to decline any invitations to play that game.
July 18th, 2006 at 5:04 pm
Oh and sixth… all corporations are evil… Im not suprised at all that schultz and his buddys would lie to us so blatently
July 18th, 2006 at 5:09 pm
We don’t have to boycott Starbucks. Once the housing bubble pops and money gets tight, everyone will have to fall back on that “if you only cut out one latte a day you would save $2K a year” spiel in all the “millionaire next door” style books.
Maybe he knows the writing is on the wall and is getting out while he still has $700M… : )
July 18th, 2006 at 5:15 pm
All the Starbucks boycotters should go to Firehouse Coffee instead.
July 18th, 2006 at 5:15 pm
“The return on investment was 37% over the last 5 years…..which is phenominal on any level…are you joking??/”
Just to clarify, did you come up with 37% over those 5 years or did you get 37% per year over those 5 years? Because there is a huge difference between the two and the first, isn’t “phenominal” on any level.
July 18th, 2006 at 5:22 pm
I can only relay past experience in similar situations.
Once again, the exact same things were said here in Vancouver. Even though Vancouver had a pretty good fan base, it didn’t matter. The fans showed up to try and save the franchise in a last ditch attempt but after all was said and done everyone realized that it simply didn’t matter if they sold out every game or not.
The new owner had his plan in place and his mind was made up before he bought the Grizzlies. I think Clay Bennetts group have their plan in place, their minds are already made up, and it’s just a matter of how and when to execute the plan.
By saying the correct things about staying in Seattle but at the same time hinting that everything has to fall into place for that to be so, he’s baiting Sonics fans to keep the dollars flowing his way to keep losses low until they bolt out the door.
At least that’s how I see it even if I hope I’m completely wrong on this.
July 18th, 2006 at 5:28 pm
DK - I think you have summed it up pretty well.
The writing is on the wall……..Bennett didn’t buy this franchise to keep it in Seattle….plain and simple.
July 18th, 2006 at 5:29 pm
Holy %$#%#$ I come home from work to this BS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A boycott of Starbucks I wouldn’t mind, but it would be in vain.
If the Supes leave, then NBA means nearly nothing to me.
My new BB team and passion will be the UDub Dawgs.
I better learn the NFL financials better.
Seahawkscentral.com anyone?
I am not a pessimist, but from what I have gandered in the last 60 min, is this team is moving…..Don’t fall for a sales pitch.
July 18th, 2006 at 5:32 pm
I just think the writing is on the wall. They might as well move now. Other ownership who has bought other franchises have almost always moved their franchises. Has there ever been a case where a team didn’t get moved? It didn’t work out for the Kansas City Kings or the Grizzlies. Like DK said….its just a matter of time.
July 18th, 2006 at 5:36 pm
Here’s how I do the rough math. Purchase price at $200 million, sale price at $350 million.
Agency fee for Sale @ 4% of sale price(minimum) $14M
Seattle area Excise tax @2.9% $10.1M
Losses averaging $10M/year for 6 seasons $60M
Basically you take the $350M - $84M to get a return of $266M. If they had an investment valued at $200 million that went up to in value approximately $11M per year that is less than 5% a year. This can be spun any way you want, but even if their losses were 100% fictional they did no better than 10% per year and it could have been below 5%. That just terrible given how much real estate has gone up in recent years.
July 18th, 2006 at 5:49 pm
“All the Starbucks boycotters should go to Firehouse Coffee instead. ”
Great idea!
July 18th, 2006 at 5:50 pm
They spent 12 million a year and each year the value of the team went up 30 million a year…so an 18 million dollar profit every year….so that is only a 9% return each year on the 200 mill down payment…That is a solid return over the history of the US…..However considering that the stock market has been basically flat over the past 5 years……its a real good return….now you can make an argument that they could have gotten lucky in another sector maybe real estate but to have the fun of owning a team and the tax benefits over the 5 years and still come up 90 mill Positive…Hell Yes it was a good investment
July 18th, 2006 at 5:55 pm
Where the heck where you all? There were a grand total of 2 protestors there at the Furtado Center. Myself and my friend Morse. A couple other guys from this site stopped by for a bit, and some basketball camp girls were upset. But it was a sad showing… We shared our concerns with the media, who will no doubt exploit our interviews to the highest degree.
July 18th, 2006 at 5:57 pm
Here is a list of alternatives for your java fix.
Zoka
Vita
Fonte’
Dominic’s
July 18th, 2006 at 6:43 pm
The unofficial Hornets announcement
On the Seattle sonicscentral.com blog: According to SonicsCentral sources, coinciding with the Seattle Supersonics petition to the league regarding the sale, New Orleans Hornets ownership, headed by George Shinn, has…
July 18th, 2006 at 6:59 pm
If anyone knows Sene, tell him that I, his fellow countryman, am following and rooting for him. Too bad the Sonics are moving, I was hoping to watch free Sonics games from here in Canada. Oh well…
July 18th, 2006 at 7:15 pm
YOU DON’T BUY AN NBA TEAM TO MAKE MONEY. END OF DISCUSSION. STOP WITH THE SEMANTICS.
July 18th, 2006 at 7:28 pm
Washington Billionaires
1. William Gates III, 50, $50, Microsoft
6. Paul Allen, 53, $22, Microsoft, investments
24. Steven Ballmer, 50, $13.6, Microsoft
147. Jeffrey Bezos, 42, $4.3, Amazon
365. Craig McCaw, 56, $2.1, McCaw Cellular
606. James Jannard, 56, $1.3, Oakley
746. John Edson, 73, $1, leisure craft
746. Charles Simonyi, 58, $1, Microsoft
746. John Stanton, 50, $1, wireless
Yet they couldn’t find any local investors
July 18th, 2006 at 7:44 pm
Hey needle-
I think one of these guys you listed would have bought the team. There is money to made on the sonics, still. It would take hard work, though, and who wants to work hard when you already got it made? If you are a cynical millionaire the NBA must look frivilous. Us sonics nuts are screwed.
July 18th, 2006 at 7:57 pm
I don’t get it… if this dude from OK really wanted pro basketball in his home town why didn’t he buy the blazers? Aren’t they bankrupt? Wouldn’t that go over smoother on all fronts (cheaper, NBA approval etc)? Then Paul Allen could take the money from that sale, throw in some pocket change and buy the sonics…
Doesn’t make any sense to me (unless you go from the angle that Schultz is just a jerk that wants to stick it to seattle) - any chance the NBA/Stern say no to moving the franchise? Just trying desperately to have hope that the sonics stay (hence my vote on the PI site for “unknown” since someone asked who would vote that).
July 18th, 2006 at 8:05 pm
hey i’m grasping too. like if we somehow miracled another Keyarena remodel and the nba gave bennet an expansion team when the hornets go back to new orleans and we got a local investor to buy the sonics and so on……………oh well, good-bye supes!
July 18th, 2006 at 8:28 pm
None of those guys wanted to buy. Plain and simple. The product was listed for sale, none of them offered to buy it. We would have sold to one of them if they were interested.
July 18th, 2006 at 8:46 pm
Email the Mayor
http://www.seattle.gov/mayor/citizen_response.htm
Call him
(206) 684-4000
The following list is the emails of everyone on the seattle and king county councils:
Copy and paste in outlook(other email client):
nick.licata@seattle.gov; sally.clark@seattle.gov; david.della@seattle.gov; jan.drago@seattle.gov; jean.godden@seattle.gov; richard.mciver@seattle.gov; tom.rasmussen@seattle.gov; peter.steinbrueck@seattle.gov; bob.ferguson@metrokc.gov; larry.gossett@metrokc.gov; kathy.lambert@metrokc.gov; larry.phillips@metrokc.gov; julia.patterson@metrokc.gov; jane.hague@metrokc.gov; pete.vonreichbauer@metrokc.gov; reagan.dunn@metrokc.gov; dow.constantine@metrokc.gov;
Tips:
1. Don’t be rude.
2. Email the list to all your friends the list.
Don’t be lazy the sonics are worth more than the time it takes to write an email If you are a constituent(even if your not) call them:
Seattle City Council website
http://www.seattle.gov/council/councilcontact.htm
2006 King County Councilmembers
http://www.metrokc.gov/mkcc/members/members.htm
EMAIL, CALL THEM
July 18th, 2006 at 8:48 pm
While stewing over this on ride home thought of more things to say:
First - thank you to SC… I love this site - all your hardwork is appreciated
Second - to all the people that say “good ridance” (see them on the PI site, king 5 site etc.. all over)… I can’t believe they just want to get rid of a piece of Seattle. Do I personally care or get any benefit from the space needle? .. NO its a way overpriced tourist trap but you bet I would be up in arms if they tried to sell it to Oklahoma and if it needed repairs I would pay some small restaraunt tax for it. Its part of Seattle as a city - having a NBA team is part of what makes us a world class city. Same with the mariners - I absolutely hate the mariners and baseball to be honest (sorry mariners fans - nothing personal) but no way would I want them to leave - they are part of the city. Regarding paying for a stadium or whatever - I am in favor of helping out the team to get them close to a break-even point. As a taxpayer I don’t want to line their pockets but getting a team a deal where they can be close to break even is not such a bad thing.
Finally re: a starbucks boycott… its about the principle .. sure it won’t really make a big difference overall but just knowing that 5 cents of my drink is funding Schultz or whatever makes it not taste good. The other companies that owned the sonics were not the vocal leader, they were not spouting off about community. Even beyond the sonics I see the starbucks stores bragging about their community involvement - seems Schultz has tried to push that as part of his company culture yet does this to us. So I personally will not be buying starbucks except when I get gift cards (becuase if you don’t spend the gift card they actually get more money)
July 18th, 2006 at 10:58 pm
Is there a rule preventing professional owners from owner 2 teams in a city/state (Paul Allen) ….I heard that you cant…..does anyone know the precise rule??? Could you own 49% of a team and a majority share on another team?
July 18th, 2006 at 11:24 pm
MCage, there used to be that rule, but it was an NBA rule. In like 1998 the NBA ammeded to that rule and it is now allowed to own an NBA team as well as an NFL team. IE: Mr. Allen could own the Supes and Hawks.
July 19th, 2006 at 5:58 am
So, has it been published anywhere else but here that the Hornets asked the league to stay in OKC permanently?
July 19th, 2006 at 7:58 am
“So, has it been published anywhere else but here that the Hornets asked the league to stay in OKC permanently?”
Good question. Interestingly, though–at least as far as I see things–wouldn’t you pretty much expect that kind of petition in light of yesterday’s announcement? I don’t think the Hornets are going to want or be able to go back to New Orleans any time soon if ever, and I don’t know why the league would ever want them to. But here you have a guy whose stated goal was to bring a team permanently to Oklahoma City just having bought the Sonics and the Hornets are probably thinking: “wait, does this mean you’re making us go back to New Orleans? Put a fork in this franchise now, please.”
August 21st, 2006 at 4:37 pm
I hope that the people of Seattle are able to retain their Seattle Sonics, because I personally love the Hornets. I do hope George S. has signed a petition to stay in Oklahoma, maybe it will be granted!!! Good luck Washington and small, but strong Oklahoma.
August 1st, 2007 at 10:56 am
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