Just listened to a Chris Hansen interview and it had a few interesting things...
-Hansen and crew never refused the return of their $30MM deposit...they'd like to get the money back. He didn't go into the likelihood of that happening, but I'd say it's a pretty low likelihood. [Purely my opinon: I'm guessing that the $30MM was part of the rationale of the owners approving the Ranadive deal because it upped the total amount that the Maloofs received...so in a way Hansen funded his opponent in the deal.]
-Hansen said he didn't want to be a predator and take a team from another city unless the franchise AND the league had already approved the move. In the interview, multiple times he talked about doing things the right/honorable way and he also said he didn't like being in the role of doing to another city what had been done to Seattle. So, it could be that and nothing more, but it could also be that he doesn't want to be a tool used by existing owners to get arena deals. Either way, he was pretty clear that he wouldn't be a predator going forward.
-Hansen doesn't think Stern has it in for Seattle.
-Hansen thought it would be another year before they knew more about next steps. He thought adding larger market Seattle would add value to a TV deal and thought that would help their chances at expansion. He also said that several franchises were struggling and might want to sell. He also thought the size of their offer to Sacramento might get some owners thinking about selling. Again, he emphasized that they would purchase an existing team only if they were essentially already approved to be moved.
-Hansen said that when they made the offer to the Maloofs the group thought it was just a matter of time before Sac relocated. All the failed arena attempts coupled with the multiple attempts by the Maloofs to move the team made them think Sac was kaput as an NBA city. [Personal opinion: I actually think Hansen was probably right in thinking that...in alternate reality world where Hansen didn't make the offer, I'd guess the Kings would be out of Sac in 1-2 years. The Hansen offer galvanized the city to keep the team and, weird as it is to say it, Kings fans should be glad that Hansen came along when he did.]
-Hansen said that he'd never sued anyone and wouldn't start by suing the NBA.
-Hansen was very positive and upbeat throughout the interview. He didn't badmouth the NBA or the owners in the slightest and seemed to speak highly of them, if anything. [Personal opinion: it took him awhile to speak publicly and I wonder if he was waiting for himself to cool down before agreeing to an interview. Guessing that the high school wrestler in him was fired up initially, but that he's easing back into hedge fund manager mode as he waits for the next franchise opportunity.]
Edit: add link:
http://www.geekwire.com/2013/hansen-ballmer-sonics-stay-intact/
