Seattle still planning to build an NHL and NBA stadium

Jan 24, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; View of the NHL logo at Dodger Stadium. Preparations are in place on the day before the Stadium Series hockey game between the Los Angeles Kings and the Anaheim Ducks at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

Seattle arena investor, Chris Hansen, has reassured that he still plans to build an arena in the Seattle area that may one day house an NBA and NHL team.

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Despite Hansen’s previous partner, Steve Ballmer, buying the Los Angeles Clippers, Hansen is reassuring the city of Seattle that he is committed to the project.

"“First, I would like to congratulate Steve Ballmer on his apparent successful bid for the Los Angeles Clippers. Steve’s passion for basketball and commitment to the NBA will make him a great owner and strong asset for the league. I would also like to assure Seattle fans that my remaining partners and I remain committed to bringing the NBA back to Seattle. The environmental review process for the Seattle Arena is nearing completion and we will soon be in a strong position to attract a franchise back to the Emerald City.”"

Bringing a basketball team to Seattle and building the arena is also another step to having an NHL team located there. NHL commissioner, Gary Bettman, believes that Hansen will not go through with building the arena unless there is indeed an NBA team playing there.

"“The sense I get is he doesn’t want to build a building just to have a tenant,” Bettman said. “And since he seems to have things tied up with the city for the next three years, give or take, there’s no certainty about a building.”"

The NHL has rumors of wanting a team in the area and Hansen being committed to this project is a great step in having this happen.

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