November 10, 2010
Kings not for sale to Seattle, says Maloof
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer cashed out $1.3 billion in shares last week, leading to rampant speculation of all sorts of things: Either he hates the Windows Phone, or he's looking to buy a basketball team for Seattle, as he'd expressed interest in previously.
Sacramento Kings owner Joe Maloof immediately denied that Ballmer, or anyone else, was targeting his team, saying he's "never met Mr. Ballmer, we've had no contact with him and the team is not for sale." No denials yet from the owners of the Memphis Grizzlies, the Milwaukee Bucks, or the Baltimore Claws.
Of course, there's another obstacle to bringing the NBA back to Seattle, which is that the city would still need to come up with at least $150 million to meet Ballmer's (and the NBA's) demand for renovations to KeyArena. Not to mention that NBA commissioner David Stern is busy using the league's struggling franchises as a contraction threat against the players union. So while you shouldn't rule out the Ballmer Option entirely — people with billion-dollar checking accounts don't grow on trees, much as it may seem otherwise — you probably don't want to hold your breath, either.
From this news item -- that Ballmer has $2B in cash -- we got a "He said, she said"-blog war.
SonicsCentral and KingsFans, in case you're interested in looking it up.
I followed this one from afar.
I still think the Maloofs are going to be forced to do something, though. I've read enough to conclude they're not driving this bus. Kings probably aren't going to Seattle because the I-91 hurdle is still to high, but that doesn't mean there's nothing brewing.
Oh, and the Maloofs would definitely deny this. I feel like Captain Obvious when I point that out.
Posted by MikeM on November 10, 2010 02:09 PM
No you're probably right. With the balloon payments coming due for the Maloofs, it's quickly going to come to a head. They'll be selling soon. And with Arco Arena's stated "deficiencies" they'll be looking to move more than likely. Question is which arena sans a basketball team will be the lucky recipient. That is what makes this much more interesting than say the Oakland A's situation or the San Diego Chargers situation is that there are definite possibilities that aren't just vaportecture at this point that the Kings could actually move to for the 2011-12 season for a permanent stay. Anaheim and KC both have arenas that are both sans a team and could quite easily accept a new arrival. And while there is the I-91 issue in Seattle there's also an at least outside interested and loaded owner along with an arena that was only remodeled in the mid-90's that could serve at least as a temp home.
Not sure which location will end up being the final "winner" but the Kings won't be in Sacramento for long.
Posted by Dan on November 10, 2010 03:22 PM
I wouldn't rule out San Jose--Larry E. might one day be the winning bidder on one of these teams!
Posted by SanJoseA's on November 11, 2010 12:49 AM
I didn't rule him out, just didn't compile a rehash exhaustive list. But you're right, San Jose is a definite option too. Frankly I think the Thomas and Mack Center in Vegas could be another option, should the Maloofs somehow maintain ownership, on at least a temporary basis. The NBA has been the one major sports league that so far has now shied away from Vegas like the other major sports have, and it's the one place the Maloofs are connected up the yin yang.
Posted by Dan on November 11, 2010 02:00 AM
Say it loud! Say it proud!
**KFC Yum! Center!**
Posted by Anderson on November 11, 2010 08:03 AM