Sacramento/Seattle Kings Update (3 Viewers)

[BLAZINGGIANTS]

I just can't believe how much $$ Hansen is offering, and I can't believe Hansen let Stern sucker him into a bidding war with -- Himself.

Does the league make any gravy on this deal?

This Hansen guy reminds me a lot of Paul Allen, and David Stern is Darius Miles. Fortunately, there was a lot less money at stake in the Miles fiasco.

 

[blue9]

It's all about the game - I couldn't care less about the "amenities". I think it's lame, and a farce, that team's need to build new arenas, with all the bells and whistles and 3-ring circuses, just to "remain viable". A new jumbo-tron isn't going to bring in more fans - just put a good team on the floor. And this is where contraction comes in - cut 4 teams and the remaining teams will all improve and you won't need to build new, wasteful arenas every decade.

 

[THE HCP]

M





Sent from HCPs Baller-Ass iPhone 5...FAMS!

 

[mobes23]

So tomorrow's vote appears to solely focus on relocation...the finance committee has not given any recommendations and there's a 7 business day period that the BoG must have to consider committee recommendations before it can vote.

Stern seems to have it set up so that the disparity in the Ranadive and Hansen offers are not considered as a factor, which is surprising given that the offers are no longer in the same ballpark, but also not surprising because it's Stern and his agenda generally trumps facts. The good news for Hansen is that he only needs a simple majority (16 owners) to win that vote. Yesterday's vote was neither affirmed or changed, which makes me think a majority of the committee is against relocation (otherwise the recommendation would have changed), but that it is no longer unanimous (becuase they likely would have affirmed the prior vote if it remained unanimous.) Unlike prior votes which have usually been landslides, it's possible this one could be closer.

If relocation to Seattle is approved, Hansen, Balmer, and the Nordstroms would very likely be approved by the finance committee and the team would move to Seattle. This result is pretty clear cut.

If relocation to Seattle is rejected, then things get interesting. The relocation committee would then toss the hot potato to the finance committee. Apparently, a memo sent by the Hansen group to the NBA said their purchase agreement with the Maloofs is terminated if Seattle relocation is rejected. Obviously, the finance committee wouldn't have to review that deal because it would then be dead. However, the Maloof/Hansen 20% sale (aka the "backup deal") would then be on the table for the NBA to review and the finance committee would have to recommend approval/rejection of it. The Ranadive offer would only be considered by the NBA if the Maloofs put it on the table...and by all appearances the Maloofs don't intend to do that and they can't put both offers up to NBA review simultaneously. It would be interesting to know if the backup deal has the same no shop/dilligence requirements on the Maloofs that would stop them from engaging Ranadive.

 

[THE HCP]

Go Seattle!

 

[mobes23]

Fyi, earlier there had been talk that Hansen and Ranadive groups would present their case today, but that's apparently happening tomorrow. Theoretically, today should be quiet and tomorrow will have all the fireworks.

From a procedural standpoint, I still think it's weird that Ranadive is presenting when the Maloofs have not put it on the table. I get that the relocation committee focuses on Sacramento and what it's done to keep the team, both in terms of supporting the new arena and historical attendance, but it seems really odd to consider a purchase offer when the selling owners repeatedly have said they don't want to sell and don't intend to sell to the Ranadive group.

 

[mobes23]

From sports talk radio at lunch:

-A seattle journalist interviewed one of the Maloofs and the Maloofs solidly want the Hansen deal to happen. Add link: http://blog.seattlepi.com/sonics/20...e-desire-to-sell-nbas-kings-to-seattle-group/

-The same journalist ran into one of the owners (not sure which one) and that owner said the increased Hansen offer had no impact on relocation, but that owner also had no idea about the backup deal. I get that these guys are busy, but don't the owners read the newspaper?

-The expectation is that an announcement or leaked news will probably happen between noon and 3pm PDX time tomorrow.

-An antitrust attorney was interviewed and he thought the Maloofs would probably have fairly strong litigations claims, the Hansen group would have less strong claims and that there would be no sure victory, but any victory would likely involve payment of cash rather than sending the team to Seattle.

 

[maxiep]

If we want the Blazers to stay in Portland, we had better hope Seattle gets a team before 2027.

 

[THE HCP]

Ah this is crazy!

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

If we want the Blazers to stay in Portland, we had better hope Seattle gets a team before 2027.

The RG is already borderline obsolete.

Things could get ugly by then.

 

[maxiep]

The RG is already borderline obsolete.

Things could get ugly by then.

I'm convinced we're either going to have to pony up for a new arena or lose the team. It sucks, but that's the reality.

 

[mobes23]

I'm convinced we're either going to have to pony up for a new arena or lose the team. It sucks, but that's the reality.

Best guess is that Seattle is resolved well before PDX would be impacted. There's no doubt some public money would be needed for an arena...it's just a matter of how much. Seattle gets badmouthed because it didn't get an arena built for Clayton Bennett and Bennett's contribution to the $500 million proposed arena (proposed by Bennett) was exactly $0. He wanted all public money. Times have changed and the public contribution amounts are no longer so crazy.

In other news, Ballmer is supposedly making enemies at an inopportune time...

“You don’t get into a knife fight with the NBA and then ask you if you can come hang out in the clubhouse,” one source told Bruski. “Ballmer is playing a game of Russian Roulette with (Seattle’s) NBA future. He can’t throw money at the problem like this is Microsoft.”

Link: http://blog.seattlepi.com/sonics/20...llmer-is-on-a-rampage-to-snag-the-nbas-kings/

 

[mobes23]

I wonder if the NBA kills the Hansen deal if the Maloofs would move ahead with the sale to Ranadive and then turn around and sue the NBA for the $65 million they lost due to the NBA's hijinx.


"Maloof told reporters that he stands by his agreement to sell the Kings to Hansen’s group. Maloof wouldn’t comment on whether he and his family, who own a controlling 65 percent of the NBA franchise, would take the Sacramento group’s counteroffer if the league rejects Hansen’s acquisition Wednesday." Link: http://blog.seattlepi.com/sonics/20...e-desire-to-sell-nbas-kings-to-seattle-group/

 

[blue9]

I'm convinced we're either going to have to pony up for a new arena or lose the team. It sucks, but that's the reality.

Why on earth would we need to build a new arena? How is it that buildings have gone from permanent structures, to disposable objects that only last 15-20 years?

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

Why on earth would we need to build a new arena? How is it that buildings have gone from permanent structures, to disposable objects that only last 15-20 years?

I think what is more likely is a total gut job like MSG's renovation.

 

[mobes23]

Why on earth would we need to build a new arena? How is it that buildings have gone from permanent structures, to disposable objects that only last 15-20 years?

Could be worse, Key Arena was finished about the same time as the Rose Garden and it was deemed outdated 10 years ago.

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

Could be worse, Key Arena was finished about the same time as the Rose Garden and it was deemed outdated 10 years ago.

It was renovated in '94 but broke ground in 1960.

The RG needs both exterior/interior renovations. The exterior is aging horribly.

 

[mobes23]

It was renovated in '94 but broke ground in 1960.

The RG needs both exterior/interior renovations. The exterior is aging horribly.

The only thing left from the 1960 version are the two huge crisscross beams on top. They gutted everything else and dug deeper. Except for those beams, everything else is '94 inside and out. I saw it during during the recontruction and it was a sight.

Edit: apparently the acoustic panels were re-used. Everything else was gutted. From wikipedia:

The remodeled arena maintained the architectural integrity of the original roofline by using the existing steel trusses in combination with four new main diagonal trusses. The wood, steel and concrete from the demolition was either reused in construction of the new arena or sold to recyclers. The original acoustical panels, the panels attached to the roof that keep the space from echoing, were refurbished and reused.

 

[SlyPokerDog]

But... but.... the RG is LEED certified.

 

[THE HCP]

It was renovated in '94 but broke ground in 1960.

The RG needs both exterior/interior renovations. The exterior is aging horribly.

You need to check out some other NBA arenas FAMS........ the RG is probably one of the top 10 nicest and well kept in the league.

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

You need to check out some other NBA arenas FAMS........ the RG is probably one of the top 10 nicest and well kept in the league.

When you walk into the commons area it really feels like LAX. The arena bowl needs an overhaul, especially new seats. It's showing its age.

 

[julius]

When you walk into the commons area it really feels like LAX. The arena bowl needs an overhaul, especially new seats. It's showing its age.

And that makes it obsolete?

 

[blue9]

When you walk into the commons area it really feels like LAX. The arena bowl needs an overhaul, especially new seats. It's showing its age.

Is it suitable for sitting and watching grown men play a game for 2.5 hours? Is it suitable for said grown men to play their game? I would answer yes to both.

 

[jlprk]

Could be worse, Key Arena was finished about the same time as the Rose Garden and it was deemed outdated 10 years ago.

Actually Key was about age 6 when Sonic owners first floated ideas of big major changes to it.

The only thing left from the 1960 version are the two huge crisscross beams on top. They gutted everything else and dug deeper. Except for those beams, everything else is '94 inside and out. I saw it during during the recontruction and it was a sight.

Someone besides me saw that giant heap of rubble!! <kisses the ground> I knew that someday, someone would corroborate my story! I've been saying this for years, on this board and the old ESPN Sonic board, and people just quoted the websites, which are wrong and say the opposite, that KeyArena is just a new façade of the 1962 Worlds Fair.

 

[mobes23]

Actually Key was about age 6 when Sonic owners first floated ideas of big major changes to it.



Someone besides me saw that giant heap of rubble!! <kisses the ground> I knew that someday, someone would corroborate my story! I've been saying this for years, on this board and the old ESPN Sonic board, and people just quoted the websites, which are wrong and say the opposite, that KeyArena is just a new façade of the 1962 Worlds Fair.

Cool deal lol -- yeah, it was a weird thing to see and I can back you up. Seems like there should be pictures of it, but I did a quick search and didn't see anything.

 

[mobes23]

A couple sports radio guys have been in Dallas all day and they think it's a foregone conclusion that relocation to Seattle will be rejected tomorrow. They have zero idea what will happen as far as the sale goes...going so far as to think it's possible that the finance committee may make a recommendation in the morning and the BoG votes on the recommendation in the afternoon. Totally blows my understanding about the 7 business day requirement for the BoG to review committee recommendations or maybe they just don't know what they're talking about.

If the relocation vote goes down like they say, the chances of a team landing in Seattle any time soon are pretty small. Looks like the Blazers will continue to log the most miles for the time being.

 

[Rhal]

I'v got a bunch of tweets from Tim MonteMayor on the subject, since he put out so many i'll piece them togethor to hopefully make a few none retarded paragraphs

H&B news: This conversation started yesterday and continued in to this evening after a contact asked me about expansion in #Seattle .As I have previously reported, I was again told H&B have been aware of 2014-15 season but have not been willing to engage in that condoversation while The #NBAKings were still "in play". They have been aware of expansion for two months, in that time they have fought hard "to keep Sac alive" . However the tone and subject of NBA conversations changed this week after H&B where plainly told their relationship with the #Maloofs had damaged any good will they had built up with other owners in the league who have made it clear to H&B that the #Maloofs are not good partners for them and the "side deal" hurt them.

H&B were told Monday that their chances of any #NBA ownership was fading fast because they continue to be aggressive and take steps that go directly against #NBA protocol in this situation Late Monday H&B began a conversation that was "concessionary" in nature and have "seemingly woken up to the reality of the situation" that the #Maloofs have made them look "Foolish" and it appears the #Maloofs "are directing the H&B groups direction". They were told in no uncertain terms that it was now or never. It was conveyed to me that H&B have told the #Maloofs that they needed to take a few days to reconsider their position ahead of Wednesday and that discussions surrounding expansion have now become a two way communication with H&B shifting their tone to returning the #NBA to #Seattle by any available means. The #Maloofs responded by reaching out to media member who they had previously ignored.

My sources tell me that H&B took the day today to reach out and talk to #NBA people they trust who made it clear they were rapidly. losing the chance to own an #NBA team, they were told expansion is a real option, they were told the #Maloofs appear to be manipulating them. H&B were told that the #NBA was "shocked" at how the situation played out and disappointed that it appear H&B were "tone deaf to the reality of the situation" "how could they not know money was not the leading factor or consideration in any committee vote?" end.

The #Maloofs made such a poor showing at the NY presentation that the #Seattle H&B group were warned in committee and in private that Continuing relationship with "that family" would substantially damage their efforts. They did not heed that warning until this week. My sources tell me the #NBA has been talking about how to "shake Chris Hanson out of this trance" for a month and that the Monday conference call focused heavily on how to salvage H&B as an ownership group. While I do not know who did what specifically it was made clear to me several #NBA owners and executives put a lot of effort in to opening a new dialogue with Hansen and it worked.

A couple of other notes: Any one saying Hansen would own the #NBAKings in Sac and build an arena there is "in outer space" H&B is solely focused on returning the #NBA to #Seattle. Also the #Maloofs were so bad around the NY presentations that it not only made the vote a Formality but served 2 enhance what KJ presented I was told then and now that #Seattle was almost dead on arrival in NYC b/c of the #Maloofs
I do not know what the next vote will bring as my sources say there is a lot of conversations to be had before any vote or decision but it is likely the next vote will bring some clarity and a path forward. That's all I have on the situation…the #NBA is working hard to cap source leaks and my sources have said they need to be very careful the #NBA has said any leak of information will be met harshly.

For everyone saying I am a #NBAKings fan or apologist: everyone I know in Sac knows I am not a fan, I covered the team for a few yrs I only report what I am told, I am not paid to source or break news. My sources have been rock solid and accurate …and I stand by my reporting 100%

Everything said was just put in order from Tim MonteyMayors(@TheMontyShow) twitter today. Was to much to post 40 tweets so I figured putting the information in paragraph form would be better.

 

[julius]

Any leauge that has continued to let Donald Sterling own a team really shouldn't be this picky

 

[santeesioux]

So what time is the vote, and when do the Seattle people sue?

 

[mobes23]

So what time is the vote, and when do the Seattle people sue?

The meeting starts at 11 am PDX time. Both Hansen and Ranadive groups will present, there would likely be some discussion time, so no telling when the action happens. One of the Seattle journalists thought we'd start hearing sometime between noon and 3 pm. I'd be pretty surprised if it's noon...guessing 1 or 2 is more likely.

No one seems to know what actions, if any, will happen other than the relocation vote. Obviously, if they address other issues (like the sale agreements or the backup offer), then things will take longer.