NBA Rumors: Investor group will continue attempts to bring NBA team to Seattle
By Bryan Rose
After a failed attempt to relocate the Sacramento Kings to the Seattle area, an investment group hoping to bring NBA basketball back to the Emerald City will continue such efforts rather than focusing on luring an NHL team.
According to the AP, Chris Hasnen’s group which unsuccessfully attempted to purchase and relocate the Kings will put on hold efforts to bring an NHL team to Seattle and will continue their efforts to bring an NBA team to Seattle.
"The investment group trying to bring men’s professional basketball back to Seattle is remaining focused on the NBA, even if landing a hockey franchise could happen sooner.“No one in our ownership group is interested in being a majority owner in an NHL franchise. That’s been the case since the start,” said Chris Hansen, who led the unsuccessful effort last year to purchase the Sacramento Kings and move them to Seattle. “I’ve certainly queried our ownership group about this. I think if someone really wanted to it would be easier than bringing in an outside party.”"
The NBA blocked the sale and move of the Kings, but it’s possible the Hansen group may have their eyes on the Milwaukee Bucks who are struggling to get an arena plan in place and set for sale.
Expansion is also an option, though NBA commissioner Adam Silver has hinted such a possibility wouldn’t likely be on the table until the NBA finalizes any television deal.