Fansided

Seattle group releases statement following NBA’s relocation rejection; hopes for expansion

By Joshua Santos

Seattle Supersonics Fans campaigning to get their team back (Mandatory Credit: Sportsgrid.com)
Seattle Supersonics Fans campaigning to get their team back (Mandatory Credit: Sportsgrid.com) /
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Seattle Supersonics Fans campaigning to get their team back (Mandatory Credit: Sportsgrid.com)
Seattle Supersonics Fans campaigning to get their team back (Mandatory Credit: Sportsgrid.com) /

For the second time in Sonics history in five years, Seattle natives felt like they had another team ripped form there. The first time, Clay Bennet and Co. moved the Sonics to Oklahoma City. This time around, the NBA rejected the relocation application to have the Kings move to Seattle. That basically killed the Hansen/Balmer’s group’s bid to buy the team and make them the new Sonics.

Chris Hasen, the perhaps lead of the pack, released a statement on SonicsArena.com

"While we are obviously extremely disappointed with today’s relocation vote and truly believe we put forth both a significantly better offer and Arena plan, we do thank the league and the owners for their time and consideration and look forward to hearing back on our agreement to join the Maloofs as Limited Partners in the Kings.But most of all I would like to thank everyone in Seattle who has been a part of our effort and supported our cause. Words simply can’t express how much your support has meant to me personally and to our City. I truly believe we did everything possible to put our best foot forward in this process and you all should be proud and hold your heads high today.Our day will come…and when it does it will just be that much sweeter for the struggle.I love you Seattle!—Chris Hansen"

The limited partner Hansen talked about isn’t going to happen. Commissioner David Stern did say the league would push for a sale to the Sacramento group which was put together by the city’s mayor, Kevin Johnson. This is the end for the Kings/Seattle saga.

So what do the Seattle natives do next? Is there any way at all possible for them to gain another team? Yes, an expansion. Is it likely anytime soon? Heck no.

There are no teams available in the market right now. There’s no short-term options. If they wanted another team, they could go after Milwaukee, whose lease ends in the summer of 2017, but the Bucks have a plan of building a new arena or a plan for it by than. That’s four years away.

Adam Silver, the new commissioner to be after Stern’s resignation next year, said the league wants to go back to Seattle but the opportunity isn’t there now. It will come, in due time, but not now. I know it’s going to hurt even more, but Seattle fans need to be even more patient. More than ever if they truly want a team come back. Patience is a virtue.

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