((ht: nypost.com))
It appears the National Hockey League is ready to grow.
And like the early U.S pioneers, they are working under the credo "Go West Young Man".
How else to explain the report that the league is looking two teams for their Western Conference.
And the reason this is newsworthy? Well, one of those teams may very well be the 1st pro sports team to base in the gambling capital of North America, Las Vegas.
The New York Post reports the NHL has already chosen owners for the Vegas franchise, billionaire William Foley and Vegas mobsters-hoteliers/former NBA owners, the Maloof family.
Oh, wait, did we just say that?
The team would play in the new 20,000+ seat arena being built on or near the MGM Resort and be admitted with a roughly $400 million expansion fee.
Read more from the Post RIGHT HERE
The story doesn't mention another franchise location, but the reason the league would need 2--to balance things with the Eastern Conference which has two more teams.
Our bet: Seattle. The league and the NBA have already flirted with Chris Hansen and others looking to bring the NBA and/or the NHL to Seattle. And they've proposed building an arena to house one or both.
We could be wrong, but either way, look for the NHL to make an announcement at some point. Our guess would be maybe after the 1st of the year, but we could be wrong too.
Showing posts with label Seattle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Seattle. Show all posts
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Report: NHL To Las Vegas A "Done Deal..."
((HT: The Score))
After word of Victor Coleman wanting to be a part of the idea of Seattle getting an NHL franchise, there's now word trickling out of Vancouver that Vegas is already there.
In an article in the Vancouver Province newspaper, columnist Tony Gallagher has it pegged that some arena in town will be hosting a team sooner rather than later:
A new team close to the newly renamed Arizona squad and California’s big three is all but assured, the only question being when and with which other city. Or should that be plural?
With all the activity going on in the Seattle area in the last little bit it would be quite a stretch to imagine that much time and effort being spent by so many wealthy men being frittered away for nothing.
Adding two teams in the west to get to an even 32 makes sense- especially if the ECHL reorganization would lead to a 31-team league and the AHL would finally have it's true western division in the 2015-16 season. Also, moving the Florida Panthers to Quebec City to placate the Canadian fan base from all the American movement would also be a solid part of the equation with a teram hemorrhaging money and not getting their way when it comes to the new arena the owners are looking for at present.
The ECHL Wranglers have their niche, and there is a history of NHL games in Las Vegas dating back to 1991.
((HT: NHL Network))
There's simply too much money in place in Quebec with Quebecor Media and the pieces are there for all of this...
And another cash-in day for the National Hockey League...
After word of Victor Coleman wanting to be a part of the idea of Seattle getting an NHL franchise, there's now word trickling out of Vancouver that Vegas is already there.
In an article in the Vancouver Province newspaper, columnist Tony Gallagher has it pegged that some arena in town will be hosting a team sooner rather than later:
A new team close to the newly renamed Arizona squad and California’s big three is all but assured, the only question being when and with which other city. Or should that be plural?
With all the activity going on in the Seattle area in the last little bit it would be quite a stretch to imagine that much time and effort being spent by so many wealthy men being frittered away for nothing.
Adding two teams in the west to get to an even 32 makes sense- especially if the ECHL reorganization would lead to a 31-team league and the AHL would finally have it's true western division in the 2015-16 season. Also, moving the Florida Panthers to Quebec City to placate the Canadian fan base from all the American movement would also be a solid part of the equation with a teram hemorrhaging money and not getting their way when it comes to the new arena the owners are looking for at present.
The ECHL Wranglers have their niche, and there is a history of NHL games in Las Vegas dating back to 1991.
((HT: NHL Network))
There's simply too much money in place in Quebec with Quebecor Media and the pieces are there for all of this...
And another cash-in day for the National Hockey League...
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Victor Coleman Now Paired With Chris Hansen For Seattle NHL Idea
((HT: KING-TV))
Chris Daniels has an update on the development of possible partners for Chris Hansen, his new arena in Seattle, and the idea of bringing a new hockey franchise to the city of Seattle.
Vancouver-based real estate magnate Victor Coleman has apparently signed a "non-binding" (translation: no cash changing hands publicly) agreement on the South Downtown area that Hansen wants to put an arena in for his NBA franchise that he wants to bring to town-that he doesn't have yet.
Coleman was part of the gaggle of city leaders that met with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and Bill Daly secretly to talk about the Seattle destination for any hockey franchise that wants to relocate.
Are you listening Phoenix...???
Coleman has even put ideas about revenue streams on paper for Hansen to look at...
Here's the latest from Daniels on Coleman
The team that is playing at Jobing.com/Gila River Casinos Arena is on a very short leash with its owners at present with no end of money hemorrhaging- at present.
The folks down on Glendale need to pay serious attention to all that's going on up there as they get closer to solutions for bringing a team to Seattle and creating a natural rivalry with Vancouver- Coleman's home base...
Chris Daniels has an update on the development of possible partners for Chris Hansen, his new arena in Seattle, and the idea of bringing a new hockey franchise to the city of Seattle.
Vancouver-based real estate magnate Victor Coleman has apparently signed a "non-binding" (translation: no cash changing hands publicly) agreement on the South Downtown area that Hansen wants to put an arena in for his NBA franchise that he wants to bring to town-that he doesn't have yet.
Coleman was part of the gaggle of city leaders that met with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and Bill Daly secretly to talk about the Seattle destination for any hockey franchise that wants to relocate.
Are you listening Phoenix...???
Coleman has even put ideas about revenue streams on paper for Hansen to look at...
Here's the latest from Daniels on Coleman
The team that is playing at Jobing.com/Gila River Casinos Arena is on a very short leash with its owners at present with no end of money hemorrhaging- at present.
The folks down on Glendale need to pay serious attention to all that's going on up there as they get closer to solutions for bringing a team to Seattle and creating a natural rivalry with Vancouver- Coleman's home base...
Friday, July 4, 2014
Gretzky Trying To Bring Hockey To Seattle...???
According to the New York Post, he is...
In an article by Larry Brooks and Josh Kosman, they say that he is a party in one of three groups trying to get a team into town.
But, remember, Commissioner Gary Bettman is in no mood to expand.
So, that means that a franchise like San Jose (looking for a new barn) or Arizona (in need of any kind of financial stability still) are under the looking glass from this moment forward.
That way, the geographic balance won't be upset- until the National Hockey League ultimately decides to expand...
Chris Hansen has said he won't put any kind of weight behind building his new arena that he is accumulating property for in South Downtown Seattle unless an NBA franchise is ready to be brought to town.
Chris Daniels had the story back in May about one of the groups that might be chasing an NHL franchise- led by Victor Coleman- that met with the mayor of Seattle.
Sportsnet's John Shannon had contact with those aligned with any Gretzky effort- from his Twitter: Gretzky source tells Sportsnet: "Potential ownership groups have reached out, but we certainly haven't aligned with anyone"
The HQ recalls just how involved Gretzky was with the Coyotes franchise, and it makes sense that his name would be attached to activities out west again.
In an article by Larry Brooks and Josh Kosman, they say that he is a party in one of three groups trying to get a team into town.
But, remember, Commissioner Gary Bettman is in no mood to expand.
So, that means that a franchise like San Jose (looking for a new barn) or Arizona (in need of any kind of financial stability still) are under the looking glass from this moment forward.
That way, the geographic balance won't be upset- until the National Hockey League ultimately decides to expand...
Chris Hansen has said he won't put any kind of weight behind building his new arena that he is accumulating property for in South Downtown Seattle unless an NBA franchise is ready to be brought to town.
Chris Daniels had the story back in May about one of the groups that might be chasing an NHL franchise- led by Victor Coleman- that met with the mayor of Seattle.
Sportsnet's John Shannon had contact with those aligned with any Gretzky effort- from his Twitter: Gretzky source tells Sportsnet: "Potential ownership groups have reached out, but we certainly haven't aligned with anyone"
The HQ recalls just how involved Gretzky was with the Coyotes franchise, and it makes sense that his name would be attached to activities out west again.
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Chris Hansen Unchanged In Seattle Arena Plans, Bettman Acknowledges Shortcomings
((HT: KING5-TV))
Chris Daniels has been at the forefront of the Seattle Arena-bringing a team to Seattle whether it's at Key Arena for a while, then moving to a new arena-Clippers teaser when Steve Ballmer bought the team and kept them in LA, anyway- stories over the last month or so.
The larger questions go to Seattle Arena project developer-hopeful pro team owner Chris Hansen from now on...
Are you stopping...?
Where is the environmental survey standing right now...?
Are you looking to buy like Ballmer has and hold on to a property...?
Daniels caught up with Hansen
Then, as the Rangers and Kings get ready for the Stanley Cup Final, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman caught up with Bob McCown on "Prime Time Sports" to discuss everything hockey going into the last series of the year. ((HT: Sportsnet))
Chris Daniels has been at the forefront of the Seattle Arena-bringing a team to Seattle whether it's at Key Arena for a while, then moving to a new arena-Clippers teaser when Steve Ballmer bought the team and kept them in LA, anyway- stories over the last month or so.
The larger questions go to Seattle Arena project developer-hopeful pro team owner Chris Hansen from now on...
Are you stopping...?
Where is the environmental survey standing right now...?
Are you looking to buy like Ballmer has and hold on to a property...?
Daniels caught up with Hansen
Then, as the Rangers and Kings get ready for the Stanley Cup Final, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman caught up with Bob McCown on "Prime Time Sports" to discuss everything hockey going into the last series of the year. ((HT: Sportsnet))
Monday, May 26, 2014
Chris Daniels Catches Up With Michael McCann About Seattle + Clippers
((HT: KING5-TV))
Chris Daniels caught up with sports law guru Michael McCann about the whole Ballmer-Sterling-Seattle to the Clippers idea which really isn't going anywhere, but needs to be addressed because everyone is freaking out about it.
But what this whole dynamic does is bring Hansen-Ballmer to the fore even if they don't get the Clippers. TMZ reporting a meeting before (perhaps) the NBA knew about the dalliance won't sit well in New York City- ever...
There are six groups looking at the Clips including a Grant Hill group and the Ballmer group. But if another NBA team goes on geographic life support or the league wants to expand, they could be in line.
Just nothing in Seattle at present...
Chris Daniels caught up with sports law guru Michael McCann about the whole Ballmer-Sterling-Seattle to the Clippers idea which really isn't going anywhere, but needs to be addressed because everyone is freaking out about it.
But what this whole dynamic does is bring Hansen-Ballmer to the fore even if they don't get the Clippers. TMZ reporting a meeting before (perhaps) the NBA knew about the dalliance won't sit well in New York City- ever...
There are six groups looking at the Clips including a Grant Hill group and the Ballmer group. But if another NBA team goes on geographic life support or the league wants to expand, they could be in line.
Just nothing in Seattle at present...
Sunday, May 25, 2014
Shelly Sterling Met With Steve Ballmer Over Clippers, But Don't Bet On A Move
((HT: Ramona Shelburne/The Score))
Shelburne's Tweet credited TMZ Sports with the news here- which would reinforce a few things from KING5-TV's Chris Daniels conversations in the last month or so...
TMZ reports, however, a concern over a move of the Clippers to Ballmer's home turf of Seattle.
But, Shira Ovide's interview with Ballmer in the Wall Street Journal before his commencement address to students at Southern Cal's Marshall School of Business, pooh-poohs any such idea:
The HQ reversed the two questions Ovide asked Ballmer for the sake of not blowing continuity of copy...
WSJ: So you wouldn’t move the Clippers to Seattle?
Ballmer: If I get interested in the Clippers, it would be for Los Angeles. I don’t work anymore, so I have more geographic flexibility than I did a year, year-and-a half ago. Moving them anywhere else would be value destructive.
WSJ: You’ve tried a couple times to buy an NBA franchise to return a basketball team to Seattle. Are you interested in the Los Angeles Clippers, if the team goes up for sale?
Ballmer: I have nothing definitive to say. Am I right on top of what’s going on there? Absolutely I am. I love basketball, and I’d love to participate at some point in the NBA. If the opportunity is outside of Seattle, so be it. I will learn about any team that comes up for sale at this point.
Re-running Hansen's piece from last month about a possible move, here's the thoughts and they're not all that optimistic for the pacific northwest- and this was last month:
((HT: KING5))
But, remember, any Hansen-Ballmer sniff of the Clippers better go through proper channels with commissioner Adam Silver and the NBA office or the duo could be shut out entirely. Just because Ballmer may meet with Shelly Sterling doesn't mean much for putting them at the front of the line for prospective owners of the team.
For Hansen-Ballmer, their first phone call after securing the meeting with Sterling and her lawyer, Pierce O'Donnell, better have been to New York City if they want to play in the reindeer games down the line.
Shelburne's Tweet credited TMZ Sports with the news here- which would reinforce a few things from KING5-TV's Chris Daniels conversations in the last month or so...
TMZ reports, however, a concern over a move of the Clippers to Ballmer's home turf of Seattle.
But, Shira Ovide's interview with Ballmer in the Wall Street Journal before his commencement address to students at Southern Cal's Marshall School of Business, pooh-poohs any such idea:
The HQ reversed the two questions Ovide asked Ballmer for the sake of not blowing continuity of copy...
WSJ: So you wouldn’t move the Clippers to Seattle?
Ballmer: If I get interested in the Clippers, it would be for Los Angeles. I don’t work anymore, so I have more geographic flexibility than I did a year, year-and-a half ago. Moving them anywhere else would be value destructive.
WSJ: You’ve tried a couple times to buy an NBA franchise to return a basketball team to Seattle. Are you interested in the Los Angeles Clippers, if the team goes up for sale?
Ballmer: I have nothing definitive to say. Am I right on top of what’s going on there? Absolutely I am. I love basketball, and I’d love to participate at some point in the NBA. If the opportunity is outside of Seattle, so be it. I will learn about any team that comes up for sale at this point.
Re-running Hansen's piece from last month about a possible move, here's the thoughts and they're not all that optimistic for the pacific northwest- and this was last month:
((HT: KING5))
But, remember, any Hansen-Ballmer sniff of the Clippers better go through proper channels with commissioner Adam Silver and the NBA office or the duo could be shut out entirely. Just because Ballmer may meet with Shelly Sterling doesn't mean much for putting them at the front of the line for prospective owners of the team.
For Hansen-Ballmer, their first phone call after securing the meeting with Sterling and her lawyer, Pierce O'Donnell, better have been to New York City if they want to play in the reindeer games down the line.
Thursday, May 15, 2014
More On Bettman's Visit To Seattle, Phoenix Already On The Clock...??? (UPDATED W/Prospective Owners)
((HT: KING-TV))
Chris Daniels broke the news about the Gary Bettman-Bill Daly visit to Seattle last week and now there's a bit of an update...
Here's Daniels original salvo
Now, in a series of Tweets, Daniels has a little more info...
NEW: Seattle Mayor Ed Murray tells me #NHL initiated last wk’s meeting, & asked city to alter #SeattleArena MOU. Murray says he told them No
MORE: Mayor Murray says he believes the Seattle City Council has no interest in changing MOU, said he brought up Key Arena.
Seattle Council President Tim Burgess reiterated that he believes #SeattleArena won’t work with an #NHL first scenario.
The HQ's feelings here are that they're trying to find a quick home for somebody if something falls down. Phoenix makes the most sense with the attendance out that the LeBlanc group has. But keep an eye on the Florida Panthers and their wont to have the city pony up to $60-million for improvements to their arena in the town of Sunrise.
What makes the most sense over time is Phoenix slides up to Seattle and Florida will go to Quebec City- but that's just us thinking out loud now...
PM UPDATE: The Score, reporting Daniels again, has the proposed ownership group all figured out.
Chris Daniels broke the news about the Gary Bettman-Bill Daly visit to Seattle last week and now there's a bit of an update...
Here's Daniels original salvo
Now, in a series of Tweets, Daniels has a little more info...
NEW: Seattle Mayor Ed Murray tells me #NHL initiated last wk’s meeting, & asked city to alter #SeattleArena MOU. Murray says he told them No
MORE: Mayor Murray says he believes the Seattle City Council has no interest in changing MOU, said he brought up Key Arena.
Seattle Council President Tim Burgess reiterated that he believes #SeattleArena won’t work with an #NHL first scenario.
The HQ's feelings here are that they're trying to find a quick home for somebody if something falls down. Phoenix makes the most sense with the attendance out that the LeBlanc group has. But keep an eye on the Florida Panthers and their wont to have the city pony up to $60-million for improvements to their arena in the town of Sunrise.
What makes the most sense over time is Phoenix slides up to Seattle and Florida will go to Quebec City- but that's just us thinking out loud now...
PM UPDATE: The Score, reporting Daniels again, has the proposed ownership group all figured out.
Victor Coleman and Jonathan Glaser are thought to be the driving force behind the bid. Coleman is CEO of Hudson Pacific Properties, which owns a long list of properties in and around Seattle.
Coleman and Glaser, along with Jeff Marks, met with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and deputy commissioner Bill Daly.
So, there you go... now we know... and we also know they're very serious in Seattle...
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Bettman Visited Seattle For Arena Update Last Week
((HT: KING-TV))
Chris Daniels reported that the NHL Commish, Gary Bettman, and #2 Bill Daly were visiting with Seattle political-types last week to check on how things stand with the idea of a new arena in town...
Are you listening Phoenix...???
They met with King County Executive Dow Constantine and Seattle Mayor Ed Murray. The only caveat that Bettman has ever said was that the town needs to address it's arena issues- even as he admitted the NHL would like to put a franchise in the market at some point.
Chris Hansen and Steve Ballmer have agreed to partially fund a new arena, which is undergoing an environmental review.
The Hansen-Ballmer Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) says construction can begin on a new arena after the review and when an NBA team is approved for the market. It doesn't say anything about an NHL team, even though Hansen-Ballmer aren't interested in the league and others are.
The key thought from Hansen:
A new NHL team would likely have to play at least one year in Key Arena, depending on the status of a new complex. It's unclear if the NHL would be willing to commit a team to Seattle without some sort of guarantee a state-of-the-art, hockey-friendly facility was definitively on the way.
Bryan Stevens, spokesperson for the Seattle Department of Planning and Development, said on Tuesday that the environmental review on the project is now not scheduled to be completed until "sometime this fall". He added, that he believed, that there had been "no measurable movement" in the last few weeks.
Here's a piece that was done back in June 2013 by Daniels suggesting that Key Arena was ready if needed
Chris Daniels reported that the NHL Commish, Gary Bettman, and #2 Bill Daly were visiting with Seattle political-types last week to check on how things stand with the idea of a new arena in town...
Are you listening Phoenix...???
They met with King County Executive Dow Constantine and Seattle Mayor Ed Murray. The only caveat that Bettman has ever said was that the town needs to address it's arena issues- even as he admitted the NHL would like to put a franchise in the market at some point.
Chris Hansen and Steve Ballmer have agreed to partially fund a new arena, which is undergoing an environmental review.
The Hansen-Ballmer Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) says construction can begin on a new arena after the review and when an NBA team is approved for the market. It doesn't say anything about an NHL team, even though Hansen-Ballmer aren't interested in the league and others are.
The key thought from Hansen:
A new NHL team would likely have to play at least one year in Key Arena, depending on the status of a new complex. It's unclear if the NHL would be willing to commit a team to Seattle without some sort of guarantee a state-of-the-art, hockey-friendly facility was definitively on the way.
Bryan Stevens, spokesperson for the Seattle Department of Planning and Development, said on Tuesday that the environmental review on the project is now not scheduled to be completed until "sometime this fall". He added, that he believed, that there had been "no measurable movement" in the last few weeks.
Here's a piece that was done back in June 2013 by Daniels suggesting that Key Arena was ready if needed
Monday, March 3, 2014
DEVELOPING: Here The NHL Goes Again With Seattle...
((HT: Sportsnet))
Chris Hansen was ready to bring an NHL franchise to a new barn in Seattle that he would fund on his own...
In an interview during the Stadium Series in Vancouver, NHL Commish made a point to mention the Pacific Northwest and its viability as an "intuitive" place for a franchise...
It's around the half-way point...
Chris Daniels... pursue...
Notice he didn't mention anything about a relocation...???
Just expansion...
Chris Hansen was ready to bring an NHL franchise to a new barn in Seattle that he would fund on his own...
In an interview during the Stadium Series in Vancouver, NHL Commish made a point to mention the Pacific Northwest and its viability as an "intuitive" place for a franchise...
It's around the half-way point...
Chris Daniels... pursue...
Notice he didn't mention anything about a relocation...???
Just expansion...
Friday, August 16, 2013
Hansen: "I Made A Mistake I Regret"- Found Out As Big Anti-SacTown Donor
((HT: KING-TV))
When it came down to it and the Seattle Arena group was vying for the Sacramento Kings hot and heavy, suggested Seattle arena owner Chris Hansen did a bad, bad thing...
Here's his statement in full: "When our binding agreement to purchase the Sacramento Kings became a competitive situation and we were faced with both the prospect of seeing our transaction fail and losing our $30 million deposit, I engaged Loeb & Loeb to canvas the various opposition groups to gain an understanding of their efforts and the prospects of their success. During this time I was approached through Loeb by the opposition about making a contribution to the opposition’s efforts as part of a broader group and agreed to make a donation.
In this regard I would just like to highlight that I have never directly engaged with or even had any conversations or contact with STOP, Taxpayers For Safer Neighborhoods, or any the various consultants engaged in the Sacramento Arena opposition. It was also not my intent to be the primary financial sponsor of the opposition’s efforts. I merely agreed to make a donation to the opposition in what had become a competitive and heated process. I have not agreed to provide any further political contributions and do not intend to make any further contributions.
I would also just point out that the contribution was made in my personal capacity and not on behalf of our ownership group or my partners. In fact, I have never discussed the contribution with them to date. While I'm sure everyone can appreciate how easy it is to get caught up the heat of battle, with the benefit of hindsight, this is clearly a decision I regret. I wish the city of Sacramento and Kings fans the best in their efforts and they have my commitment not to have any involvement in their arena efforts in the future."
Miletich and Brunner from the Seattle Times are investigating what this means... and it's not that good... He could face a fine of $100,000 from the state of California since the move wasn't divulged by the end of the last fiscal year.
And the move doesn't sit well with the local unions that are opposed to the Hansen plan for his new arena... From the Seattle Times article: An attorney for the Seattle Longshore Worker’s Union, which opposes the Sodo location for a new area, called on Seattle and King County officials on Friday to terminate their relationship with Hansen. “This shows the true Chris Hansen. He’s attempting to sabotage a publicly funded arena in Sacramento while at the same time asking Seattle and King County to provide $200 million for an arena here,” said Peter Goldman, who represents the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 19. The union is suing to block an agreement between Hansen, the city and county to build a new sports venue in the stadium district south of downtown.
The folks in Sacramento are less than pleased... ((HT: News10.net))
So, Chris Hansen may have gone from white knight in Seattle to black hat in two cities with one six-figure donation...
And that won't sit well with the commissioners of both leagues he's trying to court...
When it came down to it and the Seattle Arena group was vying for the Sacramento Kings hot and heavy, suggested Seattle arena owner Chris Hansen did a bad, bad thing...
Here's his statement in full: "When our binding agreement to purchase the Sacramento Kings became a competitive situation and we were faced with both the prospect of seeing our transaction fail and losing our $30 million deposit, I engaged Loeb & Loeb to canvas the various opposition groups to gain an understanding of their efforts and the prospects of their success. During this time I was approached through Loeb by the opposition about making a contribution to the opposition’s efforts as part of a broader group and agreed to make a donation.
In this regard I would just like to highlight that I have never directly engaged with or even had any conversations or contact with STOP, Taxpayers For Safer Neighborhoods, or any the various consultants engaged in the Sacramento Arena opposition. It was also not my intent to be the primary financial sponsor of the opposition’s efforts. I merely agreed to make a donation to the opposition in what had become a competitive and heated process. I have not agreed to provide any further political contributions and do not intend to make any further contributions.
I would also just point out that the contribution was made in my personal capacity and not on behalf of our ownership group or my partners. In fact, I have never discussed the contribution with them to date. While I'm sure everyone can appreciate how easy it is to get caught up the heat of battle, with the benefit of hindsight, this is clearly a decision I regret. I wish the city of Sacramento and Kings fans the best in their efforts and they have my commitment not to have any involvement in their arena efforts in the future."
Miletich and Brunner from the Seattle Times are investigating what this means... and it's not that good... He could face a fine of $100,000 from the state of California since the move wasn't divulged by the end of the last fiscal year.
And the move doesn't sit well with the local unions that are opposed to the Hansen plan for his new arena... From the Seattle Times article: An attorney for the Seattle Longshore Worker’s Union, which opposes the Sodo location for a new area, called on Seattle and King County officials on Friday to terminate their relationship with Hansen. “This shows the true Chris Hansen. He’s attempting to sabotage a publicly funded arena in Sacramento while at the same time asking Seattle and King County to provide $200 million for an arena here,” said Peter Goldman, who represents the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 19. The union is suing to block an agreement between Hansen, the city and county to build a new sports venue in the stadium district south of downtown.
The folks in Sacramento are less than pleased... ((HT: News10.net))
So, Chris Hansen may have gone from white knight in Seattle to black hat in two cities with one six-figure donation...
And that won't sit well with the commissioners of both leagues he's trying to court...
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
NHL To Seattle Sometime Soon...???
((HT: Mitch Levy/950KJR Radio))
Mitch's Twitter has been busy Tuesday evening...
He has people (and we all know how influential and accurate "people" are) that are telling him that NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman is telling the Board of Governors that, when the Arizona Coyotes sale goes through and is approved, an expansion team is recommended to go to Seattle.
Here's the series...
The current MOU would undoubtedly need to be tweeked to keep the arena on track
The ownership group that was interested in buying the Phoenix franchise remains in play here, amongst others.
All of this contingent upon 1) a solid ownership coming forward and buying the team and 2) the new arena staying on track to be built
If approved, the new expansion Seattle NHL club would cost approximately $275M. It would begin playing here in the 2014-2015 season.
The end game here is that, if the arena stays on track, the city would be attractive for an NBA franchise when the NBA expands- as is anticipated when the new television contract comes up for discussion...
Ownership groups would, obviously, include the Hansen-Ballmer group that has (currently) lost out on an NHL franchise.
And this also brings up the question for franchise 32- Quebec City or Markham...
The HQ thinks Quebec with the Sun Media connections and the framework that's in place...
Here was the conversation from June when Seattle mayor Mike McGinn admitted talking to Commissioner Bettman about the league in Seattle when the Coyotes were in the discussion...
((HT: KING-TV))
Mitch's Twitter has been busy Tuesday evening...
He has people (and we all know how influential and accurate "people" are) that are telling him that NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman is telling the Board of Governors that, when the Arizona Coyotes sale goes through and is approved, an expansion team is recommended to go to Seattle.
Here's the series...
The current MOU would undoubtedly need to be tweeked to keep the arena on track
The ownership group that was interested in buying the Phoenix franchise remains in play here, amongst others.
All of this contingent upon 1) a solid ownership coming forward and buying the team and 2) the new arena staying on track to be built
If approved, the new expansion Seattle NHL club would cost approximately $275M. It would begin playing here in the 2014-2015 season.
The end game here is that, if the arena stays on track, the city would be attractive for an NBA franchise when the NBA expands- as is anticipated when the new television contract comes up for discussion...
Ownership groups would, obviously, include the Hansen-Ballmer group that has (currently) lost out on an NHL franchise.
And this also brings up the question for franchise 32- Quebec City or Markham...
The HQ thinks Quebec with the Sun Media connections and the framework that's in place...
Here was the conversation from June when Seattle mayor Mike McGinn admitted talking to Commissioner Bettman about the league in Seattle when the Coyotes were in the discussion...
((HT: KING-TV))
Monday, July 29, 2013
Dollar Bill Drop, Y'all... Causes Delay In Seattle
((HT: ROOT/MLB))
It's the very rare instance that causes a baseball game to slow down than the action itself...
Happened yesterday at SoDo when the Twins were playing the Mariners...
In the 7th inning stretch, something called the $5k Tailgate released $6-grand in $1 from the upper deck of the stadium and caused everyone to look skyward and grab what they could. The Tailgate will let you run a race doused in Seahawks-colored paint before the Sunday Night game against San Francisco that is their home opener.
Their website crashed as a result...
Here's one of the announce teams trying to figure out what's going on...
It's the very rare instance that causes a baseball game to slow down than the action itself...
Happened yesterday at SoDo when the Twins were playing the Mariners...
In the 7th inning stretch, something called the $5k Tailgate released $6-grand in $1 from the upper deck of the stadium and caused everyone to look skyward and grab what they could. The Tailgate will let you run a race doused in Seahawks-colored paint before the Sunday Night game against San Francisco that is their home opener.
Their website crashed as a result...
Here's one of the announce teams trying to figure out what's going on...
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Well, So Much For That Idea: Coyotes Back Up In The Air And Whither Seattle...???
((HT: Arizona Republic/Bickley))
The number that Renaissance Sports and Entertainment says they need to run jobing.com arena has always been in the neighborhood of $15-million. But the city of Glendale is looking for something in the $6.5-million range.
There was talk that the two sides had figured out a way to bridge that $8.5-million gap through things like parking, naming rights, ticket surcharges, and all that other stuff they could dream up...
But... and this is Bickley's big but...
But word is, the city of Glendale wants that number guaranteed. RSE won’t go down that road. And some fear that snag could be a potential deal-killer.
RSE’s Anthony LeBlanc wouldn’t comment on negotiations, but wanted to address his group’s intentions and loyalty to the Phoenix market.
“We’re not doing this to relocate the team,” LeBlanc said. “If we end up exercising an out clause, it’s going to mean that we lost a whole lot of money. And the way things are trending, we really believe this franchise will be in the middle of the pack in the NHL in terms of revenue generated.”
There is a closed-door meeting set for tomorrow to figure out some things for the city council's Tuesday meeting. And the NHL, really, wanted an answer by the Board of Governors meeting on the 27th. But they may not even get that now. It's looking more and more like July 2.
The league needs to put a schedule together fairly soon...
But that brings the next question...
The Seattle Times Percy Allen dives into Bartoszek and Lanza, the prospective buyers of the Coyotes, who want to move the team to Seattle.
And the larger question will be whether or not the two can tweak the MOU that the city has with Chris Hansen and his new arena- contingent on an NBA client first.
From Allen:
"Still, (Councilman Tim) Burgess said the mayor’s office and the potential hockey owners “have a framework, an understanding as to what the lease agreement would look like and how they could use KeyArena for two, three or four seasons if a team were awarded here.” Burgess said Bartoszek and Lanza agreed to assume financial responsibility for improvements to KeyArena if the NHL team began playing in Seattle next season.
The New York investors also asked about the Memorandum of Understanding between Hansen, the city and Metropolitan King County Council on a $490 million downtown arena. The agreement demands Hansen acquire an NBA franchise before construction begins.
Burgess said changing the MOU and starting the project early for hockey “would present some significant questions and challenges.”
The larger question is: Who are these guys who seem to have used an initial introduction from Hansen's people, really don't have a lot of sports ownership cache, and claim they want to bring hockey to Seattle...??? They say they'll eat initial losses at Key Arena, but it sounds like they want a new barn.
Hansen's barn...
But will Hansen want a barn that has only hockey and not an NBA team...??? And can he wait long enough with hockey before the next round of NBA expansion can put a team in his barn...???
And they will...
Here was your early week update from Seattle and Chris Daniels...
((HT: KING-TV))
And, much like what happened when the Atlanta Thrashers left HQ's territory, there has been one group that hasn't said word one in all of this- Quebecor Media, the bunch that wants a team in Quebec City.
Remember, True North said less than nothing before swooping in to buy the team- with the NHL's approval...
Food for thought...
The number that Renaissance Sports and Entertainment says they need to run jobing.com arena has always been in the neighborhood of $15-million. But the city of Glendale is looking for something in the $6.5-million range.
There was talk that the two sides had figured out a way to bridge that $8.5-million gap through things like parking, naming rights, ticket surcharges, and all that other stuff they could dream up...
But... and this is Bickley's big but...
But word is, the city of Glendale wants that number guaranteed. RSE won’t go down that road. And some fear that snag could be a potential deal-killer.
RSE’s Anthony LeBlanc wouldn’t comment on negotiations, but wanted to address his group’s intentions and loyalty to the Phoenix market.
“We’re not doing this to relocate the team,” LeBlanc said. “If we end up exercising an out clause, it’s going to mean that we lost a whole lot of money. And the way things are trending, we really believe this franchise will be in the middle of the pack in the NHL in terms of revenue generated.”
There is a closed-door meeting set for tomorrow to figure out some things for the city council's Tuesday meeting. And the NHL, really, wanted an answer by the Board of Governors meeting on the 27th. But they may not even get that now. It's looking more and more like July 2.
The league needs to put a schedule together fairly soon...
But that brings the next question...
The Seattle Times Percy Allen dives into Bartoszek and Lanza, the prospective buyers of the Coyotes, who want to move the team to Seattle.
And the larger question will be whether or not the two can tweak the MOU that the city has with Chris Hansen and his new arena- contingent on an NBA client first.
From Allen:
"Still, (Councilman Tim) Burgess said the mayor’s office and the potential hockey owners “have a framework, an understanding as to what the lease agreement would look like and how they could use KeyArena for two, three or four seasons if a team were awarded here.” Burgess said Bartoszek and Lanza agreed to assume financial responsibility for improvements to KeyArena if the NHL team began playing in Seattle next season.
The New York investors also asked about the Memorandum of Understanding between Hansen, the city and Metropolitan King County Council on a $490 million downtown arena. The agreement demands Hansen acquire an NBA franchise before construction begins.
Burgess said changing the MOU and starting the project early for hockey “would present some significant questions and challenges.”
The larger question is: Who are these guys who seem to have used an initial introduction from Hansen's people, really don't have a lot of sports ownership cache, and claim they want to bring hockey to Seattle...??? They say they'll eat initial losses at Key Arena, but it sounds like they want a new barn.
Hansen's barn...
But will Hansen want a barn that has only hockey and not an NBA team...??? And can he wait long enough with hockey before the next round of NBA expansion can put a team in his barn...???
And they will...
Here was your early week update from Seattle and Chris Daniels...
((HT: KING-TV))
And, much like what happened when the Atlanta Thrashers left HQ's territory, there has been one group that hasn't said word one in all of this- Quebecor Media, the bunch that wants a team in Quebec City.
Remember, True North said less than nothing before swooping in to buy the team- with the NHL's approval...
Food for thought...
Monday, June 17, 2013
Seattle Mayor Acknowledges NHL Talks As Coyotes Plan B
((HT: KING-TV))
Chris Daniels is on top of it again...
All of the HQ's talk about Seattle being an under-seated Plan B for the Phoenix Coyotes is now out there again...
Daniels caught up with the mayor of Seattle, Mike McGinn, whose response was understandably wary and tempered...
Welcome to your Monday, Phoenix... Mark Brown of Bleacher Report has the lowdown on the last public version of the deal that Renaissance has with the city: The latest deal on the table was outlined in the May 30, 2013 edition of Forbes Magazine. The transaction calls for Renaissance to put up $45 million in equity. Fortress Investment Group, with assets of $55.6 billion as of March 31, 2013, would provide $120 million, and the NHL would make $85 million available through a loan. The Fortress dollars would be repaid by a fee the citizens of Glendale incur to operate the arena. Currently, that would be the $6.5 million allocated in the preliminary budget. At this point, the proposed $120 million from Fortress and a combined $32.5 million over the next five years from the Council appear wide apart. The proposed package of $250 million far exceeds the Forbes value of $170 million placed on the franchise alone.
No word on just how much the Bartoszek-Lanza deal would be straight up cash, no NHL loan, and sans leverage from a hedge fund.
Chris Daniels is on top of it again...
All of the HQ's talk about Seattle being an under-seated Plan B for the Phoenix Coyotes is now out there again...
Daniels caught up with the mayor of Seattle, Mike McGinn, whose response was understandably wary and tempered...
Welcome to your Monday, Phoenix... Mark Brown of Bleacher Report has the lowdown on the last public version of the deal that Renaissance has with the city: The latest deal on the table was outlined in the May 30, 2013 edition of Forbes Magazine. The transaction calls for Renaissance to put up $45 million in equity. Fortress Investment Group, with assets of $55.6 billion as of March 31, 2013, would provide $120 million, and the NHL would make $85 million available through a loan. The Fortress dollars would be repaid by a fee the citizens of Glendale incur to operate the arena. Currently, that would be the $6.5 million allocated in the preliminary budget. At this point, the proposed $120 million from Fortress and a combined $32.5 million over the next five years from the Council appear wide apart. The proposed package of $250 million far exceeds the Forbes value of $170 million placed on the franchise alone.
No word on just how much the Bartoszek-Lanza deal would be straight up cash, no NHL loan, and sans leverage from a hedge fund.
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Coyotes Plan B: Seattle...???
((HT: Yahoo!Sports/Leahy))
In the Puck Daddy section, Sean Leahy now seemingly has more details on the Phoenix Coyotes situation...
Let's back track a few days here to Mike Sunnucks work in the Phoenix Business Journal...
Thursday's article had Glendale's concerns over the deal with Renaissance:
• The lack of equity and personal investments from Renaissance principals in their bid.
• The bid’s reliance on financing and loans from the National Hockey League and private equity investment firm Fortress Investment Group LLC (NYSE: FIG).
• Renaissance using funds from an arena deal with Glendale to pay debt service on their financing.
• A possible relocation of the team to Seattle or another market after a few more years in the West Valley.
We may not even get to point four...
On the "Satellite Hotstove" segment last night on CBC's "Hockey Night in Canada," FOSG Elliotte Friedman and Glenn Healy explained how we're getting to the idea of Phoenix to Seattle...
The Vancouver Canucks were looking for a home for their AHL franchise after they bought the Peoria Rivermen, and understandably, they wanted to put the team in Seattle. Strangely, it ended up in Utica, New York because the Key Arena folks said that the arena wasn't available for hockey.
Introducing your Utica Comets... complete with $5-million in state aid to renovate the arena in town that only seats 4,000 people...
((HT: WKTV-TV))
Even as KING-TV's Chris Daniels reported last week that the Key Arena has its ice-making equipment still in place and was functional:
Deborah Daoust spokesperson for Seattle Center, says ice making equipment and chilling system at #KeyArena is still operational
Reason being, according to Friedge and Glenn Healy, through Leahy:
Plan B for the NHL and Coyotes, if the latest candidate doesn't go through with the purchase, is to sell the team to investors Ray Bartoszek and Anthony Lanza, who previously engaged in discussions to purchase a 49-percent stake in the New York Mets in 2011, for $220 million. According to Glenn Healy, if those two do not get what they want by July 2 from the city of Glendale, then they would move the team to The Emerald City. Part of the new ownership group would be former NHLer and current NBC analyst Jeremy Roenick, who would help run the hockey operations department.
Whither Chris Hansen in all of this...???
Daniels sat down with him after the SacKings quest stopped...
((HT: KING-TV))
Let's see how Tuesday winds itself up...
Quoting Ol' JR: "Business is about to pick up..."
In the Puck Daddy section, Sean Leahy now seemingly has more details on the Phoenix Coyotes situation...
Let's back track a few days here to Mike Sunnucks work in the Phoenix Business Journal...
Thursday's article had Glendale's concerns over the deal with Renaissance:
• The lack of equity and personal investments from Renaissance principals in their bid.
• The bid’s reliance on financing and loans from the National Hockey League and private equity investment firm Fortress Investment Group LLC (NYSE: FIG).
• Renaissance using funds from an arena deal with Glendale to pay debt service on their financing.
• A possible relocation of the team to Seattle or another market after a few more years in the West Valley.
We may not even get to point four...
On the "Satellite Hotstove" segment last night on CBC's "Hockey Night in Canada," FOSG Elliotte Friedman and Glenn Healy explained how we're getting to the idea of Phoenix to Seattle...
The Vancouver Canucks were looking for a home for their AHL franchise after they bought the Peoria Rivermen, and understandably, they wanted to put the team in Seattle. Strangely, it ended up in Utica, New York because the Key Arena folks said that the arena wasn't available for hockey.
Introducing your Utica Comets... complete with $5-million in state aid to renovate the arena in town that only seats 4,000 people...
((HT: WKTV-TV))
Even as KING-TV's Chris Daniels reported last week that the Key Arena has its ice-making equipment still in place and was functional:
Deborah Daoust spokesperson for Seattle Center, says ice making equipment and chilling system at #KeyArena is still operational
Reason being, according to Friedge and Glenn Healy, through Leahy:
Plan B for the NHL and Coyotes, if the latest candidate doesn't go through with the purchase, is to sell the team to investors Ray Bartoszek and Anthony Lanza, who previously engaged in discussions to purchase a 49-percent stake in the New York Mets in 2011, for $220 million. According to Glenn Healy, if those two do not get what they want by July 2 from the city of Glendale, then they would move the team to The Emerald City. Part of the new ownership group would be former NHLer and current NBC analyst Jeremy Roenick, who would help run the hockey operations department.
Whither Chris Hansen in all of this...???
Daniels sat down with him after the SacKings quest stopped...
((HT: KING-TV))
Let's see how Tuesday winds itself up...
Quoting Ol' JR: "Business is about to pick up..."
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
NHL Kinda Admits Glendale May Have Problems (UPDATED With Seattle POV And Bettman On Seattle)
((HT: TSN))
NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly and Commissioner Gary Bettman had their press conference of the "State of the State" in Chicago before Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. And they're now admitting that there might be a problem in Phoenix with the Coyotes and their lack of an owner.
Maybe...
Maybe big enough to do something about it...
Like move them... or something... if a new ownership group (aka- Renaissance) can't reach a deal to keep the team in Glendale at jobing.com Arena.
Commissioner Bettman said at the press conference that "time is getting short" finding a solution to keep the team in Arizona. And Daly admits that the new schedule release will be pushed back because of the Coyotes' situation- and there might not even be a team to call Phoenix's next season...
"It certainly means that it's possible that the team won't play there next year," Daly said.
But the place where the Coyotes could land- if at all- is an unknown...
Asked if there must be some kind of an answer by the June 27 NHL Board of Governors meeting, Bettman told the assembled media "maybe."
You'll recall that Daly and Bettman held meetings with the Glendale City Council late last month- separately, not as a group of seven. Some say that the reason was to avoid the Open Meetings Law in the state of Arizona. Others say it was because the scheduling just... didn't... work... out...
Choose your version...
The city of Glendale is budgeting only $6-million where the Anthony LeBlanc-led group Renaissance Group is looking for a figure closer to $15-million. The city is looking to award the contract for managing jobing.com by June 25th. Four companies have bid, but none of the names have been made public.
Which is another problem in Glendale...
All this could go down...
Two days before the BOG Meeting...
Here's Dan Bickley talking about the shenanigans from a while back...
((HT: azcentral.com))
“The puck is in the City of Glendale’s end,” NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said. Indeed... PM UPDATE: Chris Daniels from KING-TV in Seattle, who monitored the whole SacKings to Seattle idea, has checked with the folks that run Key Arena... through his Twitter... Deborah Daoust spokesperson for Seattle Center, says ice making equipment and chilling system at #KeyArena is still operational Key Arena hosted a 'Stars on Ice' show back in 2012. Obviously, not hockey. Daoust also says the Key Arena dates, that were being held for an NBA team, have been freed up. Not being held for any other reason So, the short version is that Seattle looks like they're clearing the runway just in case... And, so is Quebec City... Here's an interview that Bettman did with KING-TV when discussing Seattle...
NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly and Commissioner Gary Bettman had their press conference of the "State of the State" in Chicago before Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. And they're now admitting that there might be a problem in Phoenix with the Coyotes and their lack of an owner.
Maybe...
Maybe big enough to do something about it...
Like move them... or something... if a new ownership group (aka- Renaissance) can't reach a deal to keep the team in Glendale at jobing.com Arena.
Commissioner Bettman said at the press conference that "time is getting short" finding a solution to keep the team in Arizona. And Daly admits that the new schedule release will be pushed back because of the Coyotes' situation- and there might not even be a team to call Phoenix's next season...
"It certainly means that it's possible that the team won't play there next year," Daly said.
But the place where the Coyotes could land- if at all- is an unknown...
Asked if there must be some kind of an answer by the June 27 NHL Board of Governors meeting, Bettman told the assembled media "maybe."
You'll recall that Daly and Bettman held meetings with the Glendale City Council late last month- separately, not as a group of seven. Some say that the reason was to avoid the Open Meetings Law in the state of Arizona. Others say it was because the scheduling just... didn't... work... out...
Choose your version...
The city of Glendale is budgeting only $6-million where the Anthony LeBlanc-led group Renaissance Group is looking for a figure closer to $15-million. The city is looking to award the contract for managing jobing.com by June 25th. Four companies have bid, but none of the names have been made public.
Which is another problem in Glendale...
All this could go down...
Two days before the BOG Meeting...
Here's Dan Bickley talking about the shenanigans from a while back...
((HT: azcentral.com))
“The puck is in the City of Glendale’s end,” NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said. Indeed... PM UPDATE: Chris Daniels from KING-TV in Seattle, who monitored the whole SacKings to Seattle idea, has checked with the folks that run Key Arena... through his Twitter... Deborah Daoust spokesperson for Seattle Center, says ice making equipment and chilling system at #KeyArena is still operational Key Arena hosted a 'Stars on Ice' show back in 2012. Obviously, not hockey. Daoust also says the Key Arena dates, that were being held for an NBA team, have been freed up. Not being held for any other reason So, the short version is that Seattle looks like they're clearing the runway just in case... And, so is Quebec City... Here's an interview that Bettman did with KING-TV when discussing Seattle...
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Chris Hansen Speaks
((HT: KING-TV))
Chris Daniels has been chasing the Sacramento Kings saga all over the country for KING-TV in Seattle and was front and center as the city got turned down again for the return of the NBA to the city.
He is the first to sit down with the would-have-been owner of the Seattle Supersonics v2.0
The HQ is fairly confident that the team will get a franchise when the new television deal comes up for negotiation in a few years time. All Hansen/Ballmer has to do is play nice and bide their time.
The new arena will have a tenant- just on the NBA's timetable...
Not Chris Hansen's...
Chris Daniels has been chasing the Sacramento Kings saga all over the country for KING-TV in Seattle and was front and center as the city got turned down again for the return of the NBA to the city.
He is the first to sit down with the would-have-been owner of the Seattle Supersonics v2.0
The HQ is fairly confident that the team will get a franchise when the new television deal comes up for negotiation in a few years time. All Hansen/Ballmer has to do is play nice and bide their time.
The new arena will have a tenant- just on the NBA's timetable...
Not Chris Hansen's...
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Kings Stay In SacTown, Now What...???
((HT: KING-TV))
Well, if you're Kevin Calabro, the former voice of the Seattle SuperSonics, you think that the town will get a team back by the time the new television contract comes around...
“The Sonics will be coming back, I believe, as an expansion team and I think it will be coming back when the new TV contract is in full swing, which will be the ’15-’16 season,” he said. “It would fall in line with the framework of the MOU, so I’m optimistic.”
Chris Hansen's memorandum of understanding runs for five years... and the vote for moving was 22-8, which included Portland owner Paul Allen in the affirmative...
And, oh... the whole selling to SacTown thing...???
"There is no pressure on us... zero,” George Maloof said.
Here's KING-TV's early returns...
Chris Hansen said on his SonicsArena.com website, obviously, was disappointed, but he's not done:
While we are obviously extremely disappointed with today's relocation vote and truly believe we put forth both a significantly better offer and Arena plan, we do thank the league and the owners for their time and consideration and look forward to hearing back on our agreement to join the Maloofs as Limited Partners in the Kings.
But most of all I would like to thank everyone in Seattle who has been a part of our effort and supported our cause. Words simply can't express how much your support has meant to me personally and to our City. I truly believe we did everything possible to put our best foot forward in this process and you all should be proud and hold your heads high today.
Our day will come...and when it does it will just be that much sweeter for the struggle.
I love you Seattle!
And the SacTown version...
((HT: News10.net))
Mayor KJ says that negotiations will start in earnest around the clock. He thinks a deal could be done in the next two or three days- despite what George Maloof maintains above... Remember, the fans aren't big on the "backdoor" plan that the family had with the Hansen-Ballmer group...
So, we'll see just what direction this goes...
The HQ knows we're far from done...
Well, if you're Kevin Calabro, the former voice of the Seattle SuperSonics, you think that the town will get a team back by the time the new television contract comes around...
“The Sonics will be coming back, I believe, as an expansion team and I think it will be coming back when the new TV contract is in full swing, which will be the ’15-’16 season,” he said. “It would fall in line with the framework of the MOU, so I’m optimistic.”
Chris Hansen's memorandum of understanding runs for five years... and the vote for moving was 22-8, which included Portland owner Paul Allen in the affirmative...
And, oh... the whole selling to SacTown thing...???
"There is no pressure on us... zero,” George Maloof said.
Here's KING-TV's early returns...
Chris Hansen said on his SonicsArena.com website, obviously, was disappointed, but he's not done:
While we are obviously extremely disappointed with today's relocation vote and truly believe we put forth both a significantly better offer and Arena plan, we do thank the league and the owners for their time and consideration and look forward to hearing back on our agreement to join the Maloofs as Limited Partners in the Kings.
But most of all I would like to thank everyone in Seattle who has been a part of our effort and supported our cause. Words simply can't express how much your support has meant to me personally and to our City. I truly believe we did everything possible to put our best foot forward in this process and you all should be proud and hold your heads high today.
Our day will come...and when it does it will just be that much sweeter for the struggle.
I love you Seattle!
And the SacTown version...
((HT: News10.net))
Mayor KJ says that negotiations will start in earnest around the clock. He thinks a deal could be done in the next two or three days- despite what George Maloof maintains above... Remember, the fans aren't big on the "backdoor" plan that the family had with the Hansen-Ballmer group...
So, we'll see just what direction this goes...
The HQ knows we're far from done...
And The Winner Is...Sacramento...Kings Are Staying...
((HT: News10.net/USAToday Sports))
After voting and going behind closed doors at the Hilton Anatole hotel in Dallas, the NBA relocation committee and owners have decided to stay in town with the future with the Sacramento Kings, according to USA Today Sports and their Twitter. The more interesting reaction will be from the Hansen-Ballmer group now as the league and its members move forward.
Will they pack up or will they stay in the fight to bring another team/expansion franchise to the Hansen-Ballmer project...???
There were some other ideas on the table going into their closed door sessions after 4:00 eastern time. Outgoing commissioner David Stern was animated in some talks, even removing his jacket while talking things out with Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, Lakers owner Jeanie Buss, and Wyc Grousbeck of the Boston Celtics in the hall outside the conference room assigned to the league.
Last week, the board's relocation committee voted unanimously, 7-0, to recommend not to approve the relocation of the SacKings to Seattle. The board of governors is expected to vote along the committee's recommendation. And the owners themselves need only a majority to keep the SacKings in town...
The vote for ownership changing is 60-percent approval...
Here's the early morning ideas from Sacramento...
On Tuesday, current owner George Maloof claimed if a minority share of the team was sold to the Chris Hansen-Steve Ballmer group in Seattle, the new partners would work in good faith to try to build a new arena in Sacramento. But, at the same time, a lot of people thought that idea was only a backdoor approach to get a team in Seattle. Hansen-Ballmer would, then, leverage their dollars and be in place if and when the current Sacramento arena idea/talks would not come to fruition. Maloof said Tuesday he has only met prospective SacKings Lead owner Vivek Ranadive once, and still hasn't talked to Sacramento ownership group that Mayor Kevin Johnson has assembled. "If it's only a matter of a few million, that's one thing," Maloof said to News 10. "But if the offers are far apart, it's a different story." Perhaps, that's another reason that Hansen-Ballmer raised their kitty as high as they did and put the whole amount in escrow immediately to show the NBA that they were serious- regardless of dollar figure. But there is a prevailing thought that the lack of interaction between the Hansen-Ballmer group and the league itself is a negative while the city of Sacramento has kept everyone abreast of the situation WITH league interaction... And the HQ knows just how much the league likes to have people jump through their hoops and not go rogue... More when we know more... 1800 UPDATE: Sources, including one owner, are telling the Sacramento Bee's Ailene Voisin and the Seattle Times Bob Condotta
After voting and going behind closed doors at the Hilton Anatole hotel in Dallas, the NBA relocation committee and owners have decided to stay in town with the future with the Sacramento Kings, according to USA Today Sports and their Twitter. The more interesting reaction will be from the Hansen-Ballmer group now as the league and its members move forward.
Will they pack up or will they stay in the fight to bring another team/expansion franchise to the Hansen-Ballmer project...???
There were some other ideas on the table going into their closed door sessions after 4:00 eastern time. Outgoing commissioner David Stern was animated in some talks, even removing his jacket while talking things out with Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, Lakers owner Jeanie Buss, and Wyc Grousbeck of the Boston Celtics in the hall outside the conference room assigned to the league.
Last week, the board's relocation committee voted unanimously, 7-0, to recommend not to approve the relocation of the SacKings to Seattle. The board of governors is expected to vote along the committee's recommendation. And the owners themselves need only a majority to keep the SacKings in town...
The vote for ownership changing is 60-percent approval...
Here's the early morning ideas from Sacramento...
On Tuesday, current owner George Maloof claimed if a minority share of the team was sold to the Chris Hansen-Steve Ballmer group in Seattle, the new partners would work in good faith to try to build a new arena in Sacramento. But, at the same time, a lot of people thought that idea was only a backdoor approach to get a team in Seattle. Hansen-Ballmer would, then, leverage their dollars and be in place if and when the current Sacramento arena idea/talks would not come to fruition. Maloof said Tuesday he has only met prospective SacKings Lead owner Vivek Ranadive once, and still hasn't talked to Sacramento ownership group that Mayor Kevin Johnson has assembled. "If it's only a matter of a few million, that's one thing," Maloof said to News 10. "But if the offers are far apart, it's a different story." Perhaps, that's another reason that Hansen-Ballmer raised their kitty as high as they did and put the whole amount in escrow immediately to show the NBA that they were serious- regardless of dollar figure. But there is a prevailing thought that the lack of interaction between the Hansen-Ballmer group and the league itself is a negative while the city of Sacramento has kept everyone abreast of the situation WITH league interaction... And the HQ knows just how much the league likes to have people jump through their hoops and not go rogue... More when we know more... 1800 UPDATE: Sources, including one owner, are telling the Sacramento Bee's Ailene Voisin and the Seattle Times Bob Condotta
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