Oklahoma Sonics?

[McDwyane]

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com ... -headlines and check this http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/rumors/team ... s/nba.t.25

[maes]

I think it's likely. David Stern himself called the Key Arena the worst financial situation in the NBA. Basically, unlike every other NBA franchise, the Sonics put on games in the Key Arena but make almost no money from it, all the money from merchandising, concessions, etc.. goes to the city, not the Sonics.

And on the other hand, the city can't afford to just let the Sonics operate there because Washington has no taxes, and thus can't support operations like sports teams with tax dollars...because there are no tax dollars. They're arguing about just trying to get a light-rail train in Seattle (yes it's a major city and has no commuter train).

[mbhinder]

I think it's likely. David Stern himself called the Key Arena the worst financial situation in the NBA. Basically, unlike every other NBA franchise, the Sonics put on games in the Key Arena but make almost no money from it, all the money from merchandising, concessions, etc.. goes to the city, not the Sonics.

And on the other hand, the city can't afford to just let the Sonics operate there because Washington has no taxes, and thus can't support operations like sports teams with tax dollars...because there are no tax dollars. They're arguing about just trying to get a light-rail train in Seattle (yes it's a major city and has no commuter train).

WTH? We have taxes. I think you got Washington and Oregon mixed up. and talking about the sonics, i wouldn't mind them moving. We have the worst coach and GM in professional sports who have absolutely no idea on how to run a team, thus the city has lost its interest in them. Besides, if the sonics move, Paul Allen might just bring the Blazers to Seattle. :crossfingers: Personally, Roy > Ridnour

[Indy]

I've heard that its unlikely the Sonics will move. The city really got behind the team and it looks like they will vote for the new stadium and the Sonics would stay in Seattle.

Personally, I really hope they do stay there, even though Oklahoma City deserves an NBA team. Seattle is one of my favorite cities, I love it there.

[Silas]

I would be absolutely devastated if the Sonics moved. They're one of those few teams that really only belong in the city that they were formed in, like the Pacers or the Spurs or the Celtics.

I also don't think they'll move because a new arena in Bellevue is in the works, which is like a smaller suburb/city of Seattle.

[Indy]

The Sonics will be building their arena in Renton, a suburb of Seattle.

http://realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/ ... to_renton/

[Silas]

Renton huh? yeah it's right next to Bellevue anyway, but I like bellevue more because it's all modern now that a lot of the city has been redone. But I Know I'm going to enjoy the new arena regardless of where it is, as long as it's still near Seattle.

[Shi]

I would be absolutely devastated if the Sonics moved. They're one of those few teams that really only belong in the city that they were formed in, like the Pacers or the Spurs or the Celtics.

I also don't think they'll move because a new arena in Bellevue is in the works, which is like a smaller suburb/city of Seattle.

Spurs were in Dallas at first.

[Andrew]

Seems the Sonics could still be moving in the near future.

Lawmakers won't vote on Sonics arena this session

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- Seattle SuperSonics majority owner Clay Bennett said a decision by the Washington state Legislature not to vote on a measure to finance a new arena has all but doomed efforts to keep the team in the state beyond next season.

"Clearly at this time the Sonics and (WNBA) Storm have little hope of remaining in the Puget Sound region," the Oklahoma City-based Bennett said in statement issued soon after the Monday night decision.

[Dramacydal]

We have the worst coach and GM in professional sports who have absolutely no idea on how to run a team

I don't know about the coach but I can definetely ensure you that the worst GM in professional sports is not with the Sonics but with my Sixers.

[maes]

It would be sad, but i wouldn't be surprised. Seattle is small (500k) to be fielding 3 major sports teams, and the Seahawks & Mariners are usually bigger draws. Plus all 3 teams compete with the fact that most people are very much into hunting, kayaking, snowboardings, mountain climbing, etc..

mbhinder: washington does have sales tax etc, but it has no personal state income tax. I certainly didn't pay any for 8 years living there.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington

"The state of Washington has the most regressive tax structure in the U.S. It is one of only seven states that does not levy a personal income tax."

[Axel]

If the Sonics are moved to Oklahoma city, I think they should change the franchise name.

Something western.

[Anthony15]

Cowgirls is good...Watching how they supported Hornets, OKC deserves a NBA team.

[frenchy]

According to ESPN,
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2850918

Sonics owner is now looking for a deal in Vegas

LAS VEGAS SONICS

Sounds good

[Dan's Brain]

Vegas is always gonna be tricky with the gambling problems. They put on a good show, and theres nothing wrong with the all-star game being played there, but it could potentially attract an unwanted element which the NBA really doesnt need right now.

[joejam999]

On ESPN like last week there news ticker said.

"Sonics owner Clay Bennett says team will not play in Seattle beyond the 07-08 season."

[Fitzy]

the los vegas sonics has a good ring to it, rather then oklahoma sonics