The Seattle SuperSonics basketball team is trying everything to get out of its lease at the KeyArena. They’re claiming in court documents that no one will notice if they leave the city:
“The financial issue is simple, and the city’s analysts agree, there will be no net economic loss if the Sonics leave Seattle. Entertainment dollars not spent on the Sonics will be spent on Seattle’s many other sports and entertainment options. Seattleites will not reduce their entertainment budget simply because the Sonics leave.”
Which is the opposite of what they said in 2006 when they were trying to get the city to build them a new $271.5-million venue:
The franchise claims it has a $258 million economic impact on Seattle—a figure based on rosy estimates—and that a new facility would not require new or higher taxes.
Which is, of course exactly, what they’re selling in Oklahoma City, where the team’s owners want to set up shop next—if they can get out of their lease at the KeyArena. OKC is going to vote in March on a $100-million package to spruce up the Ford Center and build a practice facility for the team.
What they need to do is hire Isiah Thomas so he can ruin the team then no one will care if they leave Seattle. Of course the problem with that plan is Oklahoma City might not want them if Isiah comes with.