Microsoft CEO May Chip In Millions To Keep Sonics

[Ming Kong!]

It's on the headlines! Good luck Seatle! I used to love the Kemp/Payton duo in the 90's, heck they were my 2nd favorite team after Utah. I still follow them some, and have always hoped to see this franchise go back to it's winning days. With Durant/Green + the draft, cap, etc.. it looks like the Sonics could be in the mix soon, and I think the city of Seatle deserves to keep this franchise. I hope these guys really do chip in. I bet with a few right decisions, they can pull in a sweet profit too. Anyways good luck Seatle!

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archi ... ep_sonics/

[jenn_gp]

Where were they about two years ago when Schultz was whining and decided to sell the team?

I'm happy that groups are stepping forward to try and save the team, but it's also upsetting they are doing this this late in the game...don't they know that Clay Bennett said the team is not for sale?

[LyMinh]

Not even Microsoft money can save the Sonics =/

Bill Gates needs to get involved.

[wiff]

Balmer has more than enough money for the Sonics.

If there is a group out there that can save the Sonics this is the one that can do it. Obviously it's late in the game like Jenn mentioned but they are willing to cover the costs spent by Clay Bennett to buy him out and are also willing to put up 150mil to renovate the Key.

Now everything just needs to fall into place which isn't a samll task.

If the court makes Bennett up hold the lease, it might open up a window for this ownership group.

[OzThunder]

someone told me that bill gates lives/ grew up in the seattle area??
300 million would only be pocket change to him

[Sonics3408]

someone told me that bill gates lives/ grew up in the seattle area??
300 million would only be pocket change to him

Bill Gates does live up here, but don't hold your breath if you're looking to him as the next owner. He's already announced he is leaving Microsoft in order to work full time with his chartible foundation. I don't see him putting all the money and time it would take to be the owner of the Sonics.

I have been saying for years that Ballmer would make much more sense as the owner (over Gates). He's also a multi-billionaire, he's much more outgoing, he loves sports (I want to say he was a team manager for one of his college sports teams in school), he's pretty extroverted...as seen in the following videos from Microsoft company meetings:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JA6h3f_bfYU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvsboPUj ... re=related

He's got as much or more money and connections as anyone else around here. If he's really serious about buying the Sonics, he's probably one of our best chances of keeping them here. Everyone loves Allen because he saved our Seahawks...Perhaps Ballmer could Save Our Sonics.

[Sonics3408]

Where were they about two years ago when Schultz was whining and decided to sell the team?

I'm happy that groups are stepping forward to try and save the team, but it's also upsetting they are doing this this late in the game...don't they know that Clay Bennett said the team is not for sale?

Just because someone from Seattle is rich, doesn't mean they have some sort of inherent responsibility to buy the Sonics when it's up for sale. Buying and running a NBA team is...kind of a large undertaking and investment, if done properly.

I think you should just focus on what efforts people are trying put together now, rather than ask why they didn't volunteer sooner.

[yearsago]

Where were they about two years ago when Schultz was whining and decided to sell the team?

This is what you would call 'doing it for the people of the city'. Like when Nintendo bought the M's.

Also, I really feel with Balmer's clout, he can pressure Stern into making things happen.

Lets not forget that Portland is on the board of govenors.

[yearsago]

someone told me that bill gates lives/ grew up in the seattle area??
300 million would only be pocket change to him

Unlike Balmer and Allen, Gates is not a sports fan.

[Det the Threat]

Great news.

Even Van Dyk and Licata were saying that this wouldn't really be a problem for them.

BTW: I just read on the Sonicscentral that Mayor Nickels will hold a press confrence at 3:30 p.m. today.
Brian also asked people to call in to the radio stations of their region. Some phone numbers can be found in that article.
http://sonicscentral.com/blog/?p=1734#comments

[yearsago]

Also Mitch has email links on his page:

http://www.kjram.com/pages/Mitch_in_the_Morning.html

[T-dot Raps]

Good luck, guys! No one wants to see the Sonics leave.

[yearsago]

So we have a group of the CEOs of Costco, Amazon and Microsoft, along with stanton.

That is beyond impressive.

[yearsago]

Anyone having trouble getting into Sonicscentral?

[nwsports253]

Anyone having trouble getting into Sonicscentral?

I cant get in.

[CatchNShoot]

If you're a member of the BOG, what would you choose?

1. Oklahoma City - Ford Center opened in 2002 for $90 million. Approximately $100 million in upgrades on the way. 45th largest media market. No NBA brand loyalty, except 2 years of the Hornets. Will require two years of substantial financial loss before receiving the Sonics. Current owners keep the team.

2. Seattle - Renovated in 1994 for $75 million. $300 in upgrades on the way. 14th largest media market. 41 years of brand loyalty. Key Arena debt retired. Requires current owners to sell to local owners.

It's a no-brainer. Where there's a will, there's a way.

[Hiphophead101]

I still dont think Clay Bennett will sell the team.

[CatchNShoot]

I was reading Sonicscentral and a regular poster named Myk said this:

There is one thing that I found pretty interesting when it comes down to the whole Oklahoma City vote. They keep saying that the vote passed by a wide margain (60/40). This is true, however, when you look at the real numbers they had 44,849 Yes votes.

When you go back and look at the i-91 vote in Seattle

[Sonics3408]

-= original quote snipped =-



Like when Nintendo bought the M's.

Or Allen with the Seahawks .

[pr0wler]

This is great news. If it's one company that can pull is out of this mess, it's Microsoft - I have absolute faith and trust in them.