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November 08, 2006
Arena subsidy ban wins in Seattle; Kings plan trounced in Sacramento
As the nation pores over Code of Virginia 24.2-800 through 24.2-802, there were a couple of sports-subsidy-related measures on the ballot yesterday, both of which went against the sports team owners:
- In Seattle, Initiative 91, which prohibits the city from spending money on sports projects unless taxpayers get a return on their investment, was passed by a 3-to-1 margin. "While Seattle will now be relegated to a second-tier status, we will continue to seek other sites within King County," huffed Clayton Bennett, owner of the Sonics, after the vote. "Other cities in King County have expressed great interest in becoming the new home of the Sonics." Like, there's, um...
- In Sacramento, the twin Kings arena tax measures were defeated by a similar landslide. Kings owners Joe and Gavin Maloof released a statement saying: "ARCO Arena is an inadequate NBA facility that increasingly constrains our ability to provide our guests with high quality entertainment experiences. As for the question of 'what is next?' the answer is simple: we don't know." A spokesperson for the referendum (referenda have spokespeople?) added that "we refuse to look through the rearview mirror at our vision. We're focused on the road ahead."
I'm watching the Sacramento Kings on ESPN now and the reporters are so pro-Stadium (Tirico and Grey) I want to vomit. San Diego is in "dire" need of a football stadium according to Tirico. Bill Walton calls Maloof Bros. 'visionary businessmen' who will find a way to get it done. Sounds great. Do it with your own cash, Maloof Bros. - now THAT'S visionary. Jim Grey interviewed the Maloofs and they said they need to start over with something that doesn't include 'raising taxes' but they still seem to want money from government. What a suprise.
Why is everyone thinking that the Kings will move to Vegas or Anaheim since the arena deal was killed during election. Think, Stern stated that no NBA basketball betting can occur during All-Star Weeking for the city of Las Vegas to host it; do you truly think that the powers to be in Vegas will stop sports betting so the Maloofs can bring their team there? Stern and others get upset when player's visit strip clubs, do you think he would want a team tempted by the gambling, drinking etc., of the Vegas, possible tainting the image he's trying to improve. Last, There are two teams in L.A., can you truly see 3 teams within 20 minutes of each other in L.A. Anaheim may host another name but those from L.A., know it's 20 minutes away, basically the same place.
Posted by jay scott on November 9, 2006 10:28 AM
Jay, what power does the NBA have to stop a team in Las Vegas? Nevada State law was changed in 2005 to allow betting on "local teams." As far as I know, the NBA has no jurisdiction over Nevada state laws. Also, the NBA can't really restrict team movement. Oh, they say they can, but I think they can restrict team movement about as legally as the NHL and the NFL can. The NBA does not have an antitrust exemption; that'd be baseball.
Also, look at the maps; Granite Bay, where many Kings players live, is about an hour from legal gambling in Nevada. It's just not that hard to jump in the car and go to Boomtown. Compare that with the number of teams within a very easy drive of Atlantic City.
The NBA in Las Vegas can, and will, happen.
Also, having been to Orange County many times, The Pond and Staples are NOT 20 minutes apart. That's just not a valid assertion.
Anaheim correctly views itself as a separate market from LA.
Anyway, check out today's Bee. The various sides are miles apart, plus now there's a matter of how the City comes up with $300 million to fund the new infrastructure the railyard will need. I just don't see how this adds up to the Kings staying in Sacramento.
Posted by MikeM on November 9, 2006 02:04 PM
The Kings won't go to Anaheim. The L.A. Clippers might move there.
Add San Jose to the list next to Las Vegas as possible cities for the Kings.
Posted by Daniel F. on November 10, 2006 07:40 PM
I guess with Measures Q&R getting trounced Carl's Jr feels its safe to put back its ad with the Maloofs, who are identified as having a billion $ net worth, chowing down some burgers at their casino with that $6000 bottle of wine.
Posted by Michael on November 13, 2006 12:11 PM
According to local media reports, David Stern has agreed to a more active role in arena negotiations. That, to me, is the last desperate act. Between LV's redevelopment efforts and the All Star break in LV this year, this all appears to be dovetailing into some sort of announcement. I think Stern understands local politics even less than the clueless Board of Supervisors. Welcome to the Land of Prop 13, Mr. Stern.
Also, Mayor Fargo has come out as saying she opposes efforts that include a sales tax increase and where the arena is not downtown. Nice to see her finally take a stand after the voters trounced the sales tax hike idea by an 81-19 margin... Nothing like putting your finger to the wind, eh, Mayor?
Posted by MikeM on November 16, 2006 12:47 PM