What now? Ownership, etc

[julius]

Why on earth would the Blazers move to Vegas? A team that has, like, an actual strong and loyal following?

Wouldn't it be a team like the Nets, Hawks, Pelicans etc.? Teams that are lowest every year in attendance?

It would make zero sense for the NBA to move the Blazers.

Because some fans are desperate to be like Canzano, and be edgy and "real" about stuff, even if it's completely impractical.

 

[ripcityboy]

The NBA should have put a team in Las Vegas before the NHL team. Tark the Shark made that community a hotbed of basketball interest. Now I have no idea if it still has as much fervor. So many people truck into Vegas, a big part of any attendance is out of towners. And then you have so many other events running at the same time. High school tournaments there pop up as do well attended UNLV games. But an NBA team there might not be such a slam dunk now.

 

[WillG]

It must suck to always look at things from a negative point of view.

Your post is angry and uninfirmed

WTF?
Yes the posters opinion may be speculation (but based on a reasonable & logical assumption from available data), however, how is it 'angry'?

If anything YOUR post is angry & uninformed for trying to label the poster as aggressive - when there simply isn't any tone to suggest that.
You very often have smart/intelligent takes on this board Julius; however this is not one of them.

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

Blazers should be for sale soon. The price will skyrocket, they will overpay to buy the Blazers to relocate, probably to the tune of around 2 billion dollars.

Vegas is trying to rebrand itself as a sports and entertainment capital. If they get an NBA team, it will only increase the revenue and what they can charge to use the T-Mobile Arena.

https://lasvegassun.com/news/2018/may/11/murren-expects-las-vegas-to-have-nba-team-within-f/

With the Golden Knights' playoff run in full swing and the Raiders' Las Vegas stadium site coming into form, the NBA could be the next major sports league on its way to Las Vegas.

Speaking at a company analyst and investor day event Thursday, MGM Resorts CEO Jim Murren said he expects the NBA to come to Las Vegas in a few years.

Murren sees an NBA team relocating like the NFL’s Oakland Raiders' pending 2020 move to Las Vegas, and not an expansion team being added, like in the case of the NHL’s Golden Knights.

“I think it’s highly likely that a team, or multiple teams, will be looking to move over the next three years,” Murren said. “We know who they are, that’s why I think it’s highly likely. I would expect that Las Vegas will have an NBA team within the next five years, if not sooner. That team would likely play at T-Mobile (Arena).”

Bill Hornbuckle, president of MGM Resorts, said that the NBA and others have paid attention to how the community has supported its first major league team, the Golden Knights, as they progressed through the season and into the playoffs.

Hornbuckle said the addition of the Las Vegas Aces WNBA franchise, which MGM Resorts owns and will play at MGM's Mandalay Bay, was a calculated decision.

“We’re in the WNBA for a reason,” Hornbuckle said. “They’re (NBA) very focused on this market — they’re very interested to see what happens. So, I think three to five-years is very real in terms of somebody coming to us and saying, ‘We want to move a team (to Las Vegas),’ and then we’ll have some considerations to make in terms of if it happens or not.”

If an NBA franchise does make the move to Las Vegas, Murren said don’t expect the casino giant to have any ownership in the team like it does with the Aces.

“We’re not going to be an NBA owner,” he said. “Even if we could, we’re not investing your (investors’) capital that way.”

 

[The Professional Fan]

Man these dudes are hella paranoid lol

I’m trynna tell them the Sonics god bless them sacrificed themselves for situations like this. The nba has learned their lesson and don’t want to do that again. Till this day they get backlash from that move.

The nba even backed that up by doing everything they could to keep the Kings in freaking Sacramento. And on top of that the city these guys fear, Seattle, was the city they BLOCKED getting the Kings.

Portland has waaaay more of a known fan base than the Kings.

Don’t worry guys the Blazers aren’t going anywhere

I'll gladly admit that I'm 100% paranoid. I'll gladly admit I'm wrong, when I'm wrong. I'd fucking die if the Blazers left Portland. Die.

 

[julius]

WTF?
Yes the posters opinion may be speculation (but based on a reasonable & logical assumption from available data), however, how is it 'angry'?

If anything YOUR post is angry & uninformed for trying to label the poster as aggressive - when there simply isn't any tone to suggest that.
You very often have smart/intelligent takes on this board Julius; however this is not one of them.

you take that back!

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

I'll gladly admit that I'm 100% paranoid. I'll gladly admit I'm wrong, when I'm wrong. I'd fucking die if the Blazers left Portland. Die.

I'm paranoid too. Ever since they fired the Mikes, McGowan has been on my shit list, and I don't trust him. I don't trust Olshey.

Vulcan has always operated kind of odd. Just getting a bad vibe from everything.

 

[The Professional Fan]

Paul Allen dying is the worst thing that could have happened. I've thought that for a long time, and I don't feel any different now. In fact, I feel it's worse now than ever. I hope and pray (and i don't pray) that he put some kind of stipulation in his will, legally, whatever it takes, to keep the team in Portland. No sense in speculating I guess. I'm just so fucking fearful.

 

[HailBlazers]

Why on earth would the Blazers move to Vegas? A team that has, like, an actual strong and loyal following?

Wouldn't it be a team like the Nets, Hawks, Pelicans etc.? Teams that are lowest every year in attendance?

It would make zero sense for the NBA to move the Blazers.

Seriously....

I find it extremely hard to believe that the Allen trust would taint Paul's legacy and passion for the Blazers by agreeing to sell to a buyer or group thereof that wasn't truly committed to Portland. Clay Bennett is not walking through that door and even if he was the league is not making that mistake again.

 

[The Professional Fan]

I'm paranoid too. Ever since they fired the Mikes, McGowan has been on my shit list, and I don't trust him. I don't trust Olshey.

Vulcan has always operated kind of odd. Just getting a bad vibe from everything.

McGowen blocked my ass on Twitter because I attacked him relentlessly for the Mike and Mike thing. He's a corporate shill. He doesn't give any fucks about this city at all. He's absolutely, 100% dangerous and could be our undoing. I see it. He's always been that way. He's an opportunist. Damn the city and their fans. I don't know how much control he really has, but if he has a voice, it's a very bad thing. He's the worst.

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

Once again, not true. It is enforceable, if it is within the contract.

You’ve now pivoted to saying “they can’t put it in the purchase agreement”, which is NOT true.

You are correct in the sense that new ownership *could* make a case and not sign the agreement. At which point, I believe, they would walk away from the offer entirely. The Blazers were the equivalent to Paul Allen’s child, per conversations with the man himself.

The lack of guarantee to leave the Blazers in Portland is, in my opinion, a non-starter due to this. The offer wouldn’t even be looked at. Much like offering Meyers Leonard for LeBron, they would go “uhh, you can’t even meet the first basic stipulation of the sale terms,,, leave the Blazers in PDX” and they would hang up.

Look at some of Paul Allen’s investments in tech companies if you don’t believe the power of contracts (and having massive legal teams) and leverage.

You can put a billion stupid, silly, petty things within a contract. If it’s agreed to, no matter how much it may stifle competition, it’s enforceable.

Allen has done things out of the blue. Things like firing Pritchard on Draft Day and other questionable moves throughout the years. That is even assuming that he wants to keep the Blazers in Portland. He already has his legacy with the city and the team. Like I said, the only way he would have ensured the team staying in Portland without question is to leave the team in a trust. Any other way has ways to get out of. Ultimately, if the team is for sale, the NBA and the owners will have the final say on whether to move the franchise.

It will come down to a loyal fan base versus expanding a franchise in a rapidly expanding, visible market as soon as possible.

 

[WillG]

Most likely Mr Allen has had contingency plans planned & refined, particularly this past month/s with the return of his sickness.

I have noticed the past month or so there has been a lot of stories popping up & talking heads opining about how it was tragic that Seattle lost its team & Kevin Durant saying they should have a team.
I really hope there is no corellation between the two. . .

 

[HailBlazers]

Allen has done things out of the blue. Things like firing Pritchard on Draft Day and other questionable moves throughout the years. That is even assuming that he wants to keep the Blazers in Portland. He already has his legacy with the city and the team. Like I said, the only way he would have ensured the team staying in Portland without question is to leave the team in a trust. Any other way has ways to get out of. Ultimately, if the team is for sale, the NBA and the owners will have the final say on whether to move the franchise.

It will come down to a loyal fan base versus expanding a franchise in a rapidly expanding, visible market as soon as possible.

LOL , you're trippin.

 

[The Professional Fan]

Allen has done things out of the blue. Things like firing Pritchard on Draft Day and other questionable moves throughout the years. That is even assuming that he wants to keep the Blazers in Portland. He already has his legacy with the city and the team. Like I said, the only way he would have ensured the team staying in Portland without question is to leave the team in a trust. Any other way has ways to get out of. Ultimately, if the team is for sale, the NBA and the owners will have the final say on whether to move the franchise.

It will come down to a loyal fan base versus expanding a franchise in a rapidly expanding, visible market as soon as possible.

In fairness, Portland is a rapidly expanding market. It is.

 

[MadeFromDust]

You move the Blazers and you have effectively alienated the entire Pacific Northwest from your league. Vancouver, Seattle and NOW Portland? Heck no.

I live in Seattle and a lot of people up here root for the Blazers. You move them and this entire region will be done with the NBA. The NBA knows this and I highly, highly doubt they will allow that to happen.

 

[Rozay]

I'll gladly admit that I'm 100% paranoid. I'll gladly admit I'm wrong, when I'm wrong. I'd fucking die if the Blazers left Portland. Die.

I don’t blame you but every fact of the matter post Sonics leaving points to Blazers staying put.

The one that made me comfy is the Sac Kings situation. They literally got sold FAIR AND SQUARE to the Seattle group in which even at the time for a record price. The NBA after learning their lesson from the Sonics debacle came and literally vetoed that shit.

If you remember the Maloofs, the Seattle buyers, everybody was pissed they would interfere with a fair and square transaction like that. But the NBA knowing they fucked up by moving a perfectly supported franchise didn’t give a shit and said no..

Now your telling me a bigger market in Portland, growing one at that, better fanbase, top 10 in attendence would leave but the kings didn’t?

Trust me the nba would show the same love they showed sac to us

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

In fairness, Portland is a rapidly expanding market. It is.

Not compared to Las Vegas right now as far as sports and entertainment is concerned.



That whole area is incredible. It makes LA Live/Staples Center look like the Memorial Colosseum.

 

[The Professional Fan]

In fairness, Portland is a rapidly expanding market. It is.

August
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/16/realestate/counting-cranes.html

 

[The Professional Fan]

Not compared to Las Vegas right now as far as sports and entertainment is concerned.

Agreed, but my statement is not incorrect.

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

You move the Blazers and you have effectively alienated the entire Pacific Northwest from your league. Vancouver, Seattle and NOW Portland? Heck no.

I live in Seattle and a lot of people up here root for the Blazers. You move them and this entire region will be done with the NBA. The NBA knows this and I highly, highly doubt they will allow that to happen.

After funding is approved for a new arena, I can see them bringing back the Sonics as an expansion franchise. I don't think they can relocate a team to Seattle in good faith.

 

[The Professional Fan]

I don’t blame you but every fact of the matter post Sonics leaving points to Blazers staying put.

The one that made me comfy is the Sac Kings situation. They literally got sold FAIR AND SQUARE to the Seattle group in which even at the time for a record price. The NBA after learning their lesson from the Sonics debacle came and literally vetoed that shit.

If you remember the Maloofs, the Seattle buyers, everybody was pissed they would interfere with a fair and square transaction like that. But the NBA knowing they fucked up by moving a perfectly supported franchise didn’t give a shit and said no..

Now your telling me a bigger market in Portland, growing one at that, better fanbase, top 10 in attendence would leave but the kings didn’t?

Trust me the nba would show the same love they showed sac to us

Refresh my memory. Were the Kings under brand new ownership? I do remember the Maloofs. Was the threat of the Kings moving directly connected to new ownership? I don't recall.

 

[MadeFromDust]

After funding is approved for a new arena, I can see them bringing back the Sonics as an expansion franchise. I don't think they can relocate a team to Seattle in good faith.

Why can't they just do that for Vegas?

 

[The Professional Fan]

Refresh my memory. Were the Kings under brand new ownership? I do remember the Maloofs. Was the threat of the Kings moving directly connected to new ownership? I don't recall.

Because that's the caveat to me

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

McGowen blocked my ass on Twitter because I attacked him relentlessly for the Mike and Mike thing. He's a corporate shill. He doesn't give any fucks about this city at all. He's absolutely, 100% dangerous and could be our undoing. I see it. He's always been that way. He's an opportunist. Damn the city and their fans. I don't know how much control he really has, but if he has a voice, it's a very bad thing. He's the worst.

Yeah he is the newly appointed CEO of Vulcan Sports. I don't think that it was a coincidence this happened in the last month.

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

Why can't they just do that for Vegas?

There is no expansion plans at the moment. A team (Portland, obviously) is likely going to be for sale soon.

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

August
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/16/realestate/counting-cranes.html

There aren't even enough hotel rooms to hold a fucking All-Star Weekend in Portland. Vegas, with no team in place, had an all star game like a decade ago already (and it was a shit show).

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

Most likely Mr Allen has had contingency plans planned & refined, particularly this past month/s with the return of his sickness.

I have noticed the past month or so there has been a lot of stories popping up & talking heads opining about how it was tragic that Seattle lost its team & Kevin Durant saying they should have a team.
I really hope there is no corellation between the two. . .

Its because the last game ever in Key Arena was played.

 

[The Professional Fan]

Not compared to Las Vegas right now as far as sports and entertainment is concerned.



That whole area is incredible. It makes LA Live/Staples Center look like the Memorial Colosseum.

Yeah. I know. However, my statement still is not incorrect. There is definitely something to be said about moving a thriving team from a burgeoning market. It really is a bad look. I do think that matters after the Seattle debacle. I see both sides of the spectrum. My point is this - it's very short sighted to think the Blazers are untouchable, but I think they stay. Vegas could likely cherry pick a different franchise in the future that would have less of a blowback than taking Portland. In my heart, I believe the NBA wouldn't approve it for that reason.

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

Yeah. I know. However, my statement still is not incorrect. There is definitely something to be said about moving a thriving team from a burgeoning market. It really is a bad look. I do think that matters after the Seattle debacle. I see both sides of the spectrum. My point is this - it's very short sighted to think the Blazers are untouchable, but I think they stay. Vegas could likely cherry pick a different franchise in the future that would have less of a blowback than taking Portland. In my heart, I believe the NBA wouldn't approve it for that reason.

There would be tremendous blowback.

However, the Vulcans can poison the well.

How much fan support would be lost if the Blazers traded Lillard to the Lakers? Make the Blazers a 20 win team, what happens to attendance? All in the name to "make the franchise attractive to sell". Olshey's the kind of used car salesman GM that would orchestrate such a campaign. Don't tell me you can't see him going along with something like this and then rationalizing it afterwards as he is so good at doing?

The Owners would absolutely gain by having a high profile franchise in Las Vegas. What do they get from having a great locally supported team in the Northwest? Feel good points?

 

[WillG]

So if a new expansion team (or other team not OKC) pops up in Seattle - does anyone know what the NBA policy is on team history?
Would the 'new' Seattle team be able to acquire the rightful SuperSonics history/records/branding from OKC ownership??

Really sucks that all that great PNW history is stuck in CowTown OKC at the moment. . .