Is the NBA coming back to the Emerald City? Will the Seattle Supersonics make their triumphant return after being stolen by Oklahoma City? Will Seattle get an NHL franchise and usher in a new era of hockey in the Pacific Northwest? These are all intriguing questions, and it appears that steps have been taken to make all of these happen. What fans do not know is if the sports landscape will actually change soon, or if these are all just rumors.
All about the arena
Getting the NBA to return and getting the NHL to come is about having the proper building that is new, shiny and “state of the art.” Frankly, I never had a problem with Key Arena, but apparently it doesn’t mean the particular standards of commissioner David Stern and the National Basketball Association. The rumor is that a new arena could be built south of Safeco Field, which would make a nice trifecta of sports complexes in the area. I imagine that most or all of the funding would need to be private, as I doubt that Seattle residents are in the mood to pay for an arena through taxes.
Ways of acquiring a team
The challenge with getting an NBA franchise to Seattle is that the league is not necessarily in a fantastic financial situation, given the recent labor difficulties. Of course, if a rich owner builds a new arena and wants to put a franchise in a city that has had success in the past, the league might be willing to listen. The challenge is that leagues like to have a even number of teams, so there might need to be another franchise started at around the same time. Granted, there is the possibility that another team might move, such as Sacramento. As much as I would like to see a team in Seattle, I don’t necessarily want to steal another team and pass on the frustration that occurred in Seattle.
Wait and see
Interest in future teams and identifying property is a long way from starting the first game. For now, Seattle fans must maintain their patience. Seattle is a great sports city, and the NBA and NHL would be foolish not to consider putting franchise into this metropolitan community. Only time will tell.
Sources:
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2017426859_arena05m.html
The author grew up in Seattle and now lives in Los Angeles, where he waits patiently for the Sonics to return to the Pacific Northwest. In the meantime, he roots for the Clippers to become a winning franchise, and perhaps even the most popular team in their own city. You can follow him on Twitter @tpheifer.
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