Mr.Bottomtooth
11-09-2006, 01:36 PM
Seattle Basketball Franchises Appear To Be Moving
9th November, 2006 - 12:49 pm
Seattle Times - Seattle has been all but mathematically eliminated as a long-term home for the Sonics and Storm, meaning the future of professional basketball in the area is down to two options — the suburbs or so long.
By overwhelmingly approving Initiative 91 on Tuesday, Seattle voters effectively ended any notion that the NBA and WNBA teams would remain in their namesake city.
Mayor Greg Nickels said the vote severely reduces the chances of the city making an arena deal with the team's new owners.
"If they're willing to put private dollars toward enhancing a facility at Seattle Center, we'll work with them," Nickels said. "But if they're looking for a public subsidy, I don't think it will happen."
I-91 could affect other professional sports operations in the city, such as the Seattle Thunderbirds, who play hockey at KeyArena, and the annual unlimited hydroplane race on Lake Washington, said Ralph Morton, executive director of the Seattle Sports Commission.
The measure also could limit the city's flexibility to bring pro all-star games to town, he said.
"I-91 makes it next to impossible for the city to negotiate agreements with any professional sport, including any new tenants to fill any potential void created at KeyArena by the Sonics and Storm leaving," Morton said.
9th November, 2006 - 12:49 pm
Seattle Times - Seattle has been all but mathematically eliminated as a long-term home for the Sonics and Storm, meaning the future of professional basketball in the area is down to two options — the suburbs or so long.
By overwhelmingly approving Initiative 91 on Tuesday, Seattle voters effectively ended any notion that the NBA and WNBA teams would remain in their namesake city.
Mayor Greg Nickels said the vote severely reduces the chances of the city making an arena deal with the team's new owners.
"If they're willing to put private dollars toward enhancing a facility at Seattle Center, we'll work with them," Nickels said. "But if they're looking for a public subsidy, I don't think it will happen."
I-91 could affect other professional sports operations in the city, such as the Seattle Thunderbirds, who play hockey at KeyArena, and the annual unlimited hydroplane race on Lake Washington, said Ralph Morton, executive director of the Seattle Sports Commission.
The measure also could limit the city's flexibility to bring pro all-star games to town, he said.
"I-91 makes it next to impossible for the city to negotiate agreements with any professional sport, including any new tenants to fill any potential void created at KeyArena by the Sonics and Storm leaving," Morton said.