NBA Expansion

[Cactus Jack]

Yeah, I'm really looking forward to that **** show with a guy in charge(Leiweke) who doesn't seem to be too concerned about aquiring an NBA team and alright with just the NHL and music.

And even if it does happen, it's going to be one of the smallest arenas in the league and could probably end up like the last rebuilt, which ended in Schulz asking for a new renovation about a decade later...

Do we really have much choice in the matter? They've been delaying Hansen's for 5 plus years now. Might as well take what we can get at this point. **** it. Just build the damn thing!

All of the Key Arena noise is squarely in the lap of Ed Murray and his corrupt crony at the Port. Murray will be gone soon, before the final decision is made, and we'll get someone in there who wants it in SODO. If you watched the debate you'd see that a lot (if not almost all) of the candidates want it there instead of Seattle Center. McGinn and Farrell do. I think Durkan does. The only one I remember saying she wanted it in Seattle Center was Moon and there's no way she wins.

Durkan is the clear front-runner & she's Pro-KeyArena. Moon finished 2nd in the primaries btw.

She won’t let her love for the Sonics interfere with a decision expected this summer by Mayor Murray on whether or not the city should remodel KeyArena, in an attempt to lure an NBA or NHL team to Seattle.

“It is bad public policy to try and unwind big decisions that the public has been involved in", said Durkan.

She's been endorsed by Murray himself! Once Key gets the green-light, there's no stopping it. Sodo's dead. It's a done deal!

[monopoman]

I live on the Eastside & prefer Sodo myself like most others. But, I'm also a realist.

The real question is: will you drop allegiance to your current favorite team in favor of the Sonics?

I've been asked this question more than once lol. The Sonics were my first love. Always will be. Became a fan at an early age.

Growing up in Seattle during the 90's, it was kinda hard not to be!

Shawn Kemp & Gary Payton were my idols. I met Detlef Schrempf & he signed a ball for me when I was very young. I still have a photo of it somewhere.

I went to a lot of games during the early 2000's. The last game I went to was in 2006. The same year the OKC group bought the team. I went to fanfest & got free tickets. The team left the following year.

I still bleed Green & Gold. Always will!

I have not seen Sonics gear on the street in some time despite living in Portland and traveling to Seattle from time to time. I think it could be considered hipster gear at this point, with how rare it is to come across.

[Cactus Jack]

The real question is: will you drop allegiance to your current favorite team in favor of the Sonics?

I've been asked this question more than once lol. The Sonics were my first love. Always will be. Became a fan at an early age.

Growing up in Seattle during the 90's, it was kinda hard not to be!

Shawn Kemp & Gary Payton were my idols. I met Detlef Schrempf & he signed a ball for me when I was very young. I still have a photo of it somewhere.

I went to a lot of games during the early 2000's. The last game I went to was in 2006. The same year the OKC group bought the team. I went to fanfest & got free tickets. The team left the following year.

I still bleed Green & Gold. Always will!

I have not seen Sonics gear on the street in some time despite living in Portland and traveling to Seattle from time to time. I think it could be considered hipster gear at this point, with how rare it is to come across.

I still see it around town. It's just the Seahawks have gotten so big here, that it's like 80-90% Hawks stuff. I myself have a bunch of Sonics memorabilia lying around.

[LakerLegend]

The topic of expansion was raised by at least one owner during a recent Board of Governors session.

The NBA owners could split an expansion fee of potentially more than $1 billion, which is not split evenly with the players.

The NBA has one major market city attempting to bring a team back in Seattle.

Some profitable teams have suggested the NBA consider relocating some of the teams losing the most money to stronger markets.

https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/247448/Expansion-Relocation-Discussed-As-Teams-Take-Financial-Losses

[Cactus Jack]

The topic of expansion was raised by at least one owner during a recent Board of Governors session.

The NBA owners could split an expansion fee of potentially more than $1 billion, which is not split evenly with the players.

The NBA has one major market city attempting to bring a team back in Seattle.

Some profitable teams have suggested the NBA consider relocating some of the teams losing the most money to stronger markets.

https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/247448/Expansion-Relocation-Discussed-As-Teams-Take-Financial-Losses

[LofJ]

The topic of expansion was raised by at least one owner during a recent Board of Governors session.

The NBA owners could split an expansion fee of potentially more than $1 billion, which is not split evenly with the players.

The NBA has one major market city attempting to bring a team back in Seattle.

Some profitable teams have suggested the NBA consider relocating some of the teams losing the most money to stronger markets.

https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/247448/Expansion-Relocation-Discussed-As-Teams-Take-Financial-Losses

There's more than a chance, I wouldn't hesitate to bet money on it happening. Mark your calendar for the 2019-20 season, I can't wait to see the modern, new look Seattle SuperSonics.

[Cactus Jack]

https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/247448/Expansion-Relocation-Discussed-As-Teams-Take-Financial-Losses

There's more than a chance, I wouldn't hesitate to bet money on it happening. I can't wait to see the modern, new look Super Sonic logo, jersey, etc.

[LakerLegend]

I think it's inevitable the Sonics will be back in Seattle.

It's a major market with history/fanbase, a willing and wealthy ownership group and general civic support.

It's just a matter of working out the logistics for the league from an expansion/relocation standpoint given the limited talent pool.

They would probably prefer to move one of the shakier small-market teams.

New Orleans, I'm looking at you.

[DoItALL9]

For relocation to Seattle I'd prefer Tier 1: OKC, LAC but both are profitable so it's unlikely

Tier 2 Memphis, NOLA newer and not much history and losing money
Maybe last time New Orleans ever gets a try

Tier 3: ATL, ORL both over 25 years in but of the old guard would be my first picks... No championships... Prefer to keep teams that have won it all before

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[BdeRegt]

Most teams are still making money and owners are smart enough that they aren't after a quick buck. Mark Cuban discussed with Bill Simmons awhile back why he would oppose any expansion. It doesn't make economic sense as it just splits the pie with more people and won't generate a substantial amount of new revenue. The largest revenue generators are locked in for the league no matter how many teams. The national TV money won't grow with more teams. It lowers lower term value for owners for a short term gain.

Relocation is something that could pass. The NFL has shown how valuable this can be for owners. The owner wanting to relocate has to pay a fee still in the same manner that an expansion fee is paid but it doesn't split the pie in more ways. I am not sure who would be moved though.

[Cactus Jack]

For relocation to Seattle I'd prefer Tier 1: OKC, LAC but both are profitable so it's unlikely

Tier 2 Memphis, NOLA newer and not much history and losing money
Maybe last time New Orleans ever gets a try

Tier 3: ATL, ORL both over 25 years in but of the old guard would be my first picks... No championships... Prefer to keep teams that have won it all before

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The Grizzlies should be in Vancouver. End of story.

I prefer Expansion for Seattle. But, I won't turn away a relocated one either.

[Michael Lucky]

Expansion results in a diluted level of talent and more teams that have to be given crutches by big market teams. No thanks. Point is if you make more revenue for the league you should be entitled to more of it as well.

[DoItALL9]

Most teams are still making money and owners are smart enough that they aren't after a quick buck. Mark Cuban discussed with Bill Simmons awhile back why he would oppose any expansion. It doesn't make economic sense as it just splits the pie with more people and won't generate a substantial amount of new revenue. The largest revenue generators are locked in for the league no matter how many teams. The national TV money won't grow with more teams. It lowers lower term value for owners for a short term gain.

Relocation is something that could pass. The NFL has shown how valuable this can be for owners. The owner wanting to relocate has to pay a fee still in the same manner that an expansion fee is paid but it doesn't split the pie in more ways. I am not sure who would be moved though.

Could make sense to an owner If they were looking to sell soon but I agree it's most likely bad financially long-term

[Cactus Jack]

Hmm....

Read on Twitter

[Duke4life831]

I hope there is no expansion. 30 teams is plenty, I do think relocation should definitely be looked at. New Orleans and Memphis should be 2 teams that should be looked at.

[DoItALL9]

It'd be interesting/sticky if the NBA owners want Hansen

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[Cactus Jack]

It'd be interesting/sticky if the NBA owners want Hansen

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With Sodo essentially dead everything points to Chris not being involved. Unless he & Leiweke strike a deal. I expect OVG to partner with a separate group. David Bonderman already owns a part of the Celtics. If that tweet was correct about the league vetting 3 new owners.

[BdeRegt]

For relocation to Seattle I'd prefer Tier 1: OKC, LAC but both are profitable so it's unlikely

Tier 2 Memphis, NOLA newer and not much history and losing money
Maybe last time New Orleans ever gets a try

Tier 3: ATL, ORL both over 25 years in but of the old guard would be my first picks... No championships... Prefer to keep teams that have won it all before

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You have to think about relocation as what owner would want to move their team.

For tier 1, OKC left Seattle for a reason. Clay Bennett isn't going back. LA is much more profitable market than Seattle. Balmer has the Seattle connection but doubt he would want to pay to lower his franchise value that much.

For tier 2, Tom Benson has Saints and Pelicans. He won't be moving them. Now, he obviously is getting up there and has some interesting things going on with his competency. I don't see anything while he owns the team. The team is a likely sell candidate when he passes away or is done but that isn't going to happen quickly. Memphis is probably the most likely team to sell. I think it is likely that Steve Kaplan becomes the majority owner but who knows how it unfolds. Kaplan doesn't seem to care where he owns a sports franchise as tried to buy basically anything that comes available. Maybe he would be interested in moving the team.

For tier 3, why would any team leave Atlanta? New owner is LA-based but minority owners have Atlanta ties. Atlanta is also a good market for attracting Free Agents. Attendance isn't great if the team isn't good but it is a top 10 TV market. Orlando has a new arena and a long-term lease.

This is issue with people predicting relocation. Unlike the NFL that had Rams, Chargers, and Raiders wanting to move, NBA owners don't have obvious stadium issues and don't have the LA market waiting.

[DoItALL9]

For relocation to Seattle I'd prefer Tier 1: OKC, LAC but both are profitable so it's unlikely

Tier 2 Memphis, NOLA newer and not much history and losing money
Maybe last time New Orleans ever gets a try

Tier 3: ATL, ORL both over 25 years in but of the old guard would be my first picks... No championships... Prefer to keep teams that have won it all before

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You have to think about relocation as what owner would want to move their team.

For tier 1, OKC left Seattle for a reason. Clay Bennett isn't going back. LA is much more profitable market than Seattle. Balmer has the Seattle connection but doubt he would want to pay to lower his franchise value that much.

For tier 2, Tom Benson has Saints and Pelicans. He won't be moving them. Now, he obviously is getting up there and has some interesting things going on with his competency. I don't see anything while he owns the team. The team is a likely sell candidate when he passes away or is done but that isn't going to happen quickly. Memphis is probably the most likely team to sell. I think it is likely that Steve Kaplan becomes the majority owner but who knows how it unfolds. Kaplan doesn't seem to care where he owns a sports franchise as tried to buy basically anything that comes available. Maybe he would be interested in moving the team.

For tier 3, why would any team leave Atlanta? New owner is LA-based but minority owners have Atlanta ties. Atlanta is also a good market for attracting Free Agents. Attendance isn't great if the team isn't good but it is a top 10 TV market. Orlando has a new arena and a long-term lease.

This is issue with people predicting relocation. Unlike the NFL that had Rams, Chargers, and Raiders wanting to move, NBA owners don't have obvious stadium issues and don't have the LA market waiting.

What happens when 30 NBA owners can't share $24 billion? http://es.pn/2wDsq7s
via @ESPN App http://es.pn/app

Well, This says the Hawks are losing money.

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[Det the Threat]

There's more than a chance, I wouldn't hesitate to bet money on it happening. Mark your calendar for the 2019-20 season, I can't wait to see the modern, new look Seattle SuperSonics.

If this KeyArena renovation/rebuilt comes to fruition, it won't be completed before 2020.

I'm also still not sure if the NBA is really that important to OVG and Leiweke, given that they mostly talk about the NHL and concerts.

Hmm....

Read on Twitter

Nesgoda has been so wrong so often that I wouldn't take any of it seriously.
He also said stuff like that a couple months ago already. So I'm not sure that's actually news.