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wicked said:Oh, I agree. The Maloofs are foofs.
But the league should've made a more concerted effort to keep Seattle in the fold.
RubberSoul1979 said:Whatever happens, this will be remembered as a unique chapter in the decades-long history of mobile franchises.
- Seattle's grassroots' campaign (exemplified by the "Zombie Sonics") is unique, and it found a willing/well-heeled partner in Hansen. The remaining support in the Northwest offers a reminder of how bizarre it was the club moved in the first place. Sure, it was the city's fourth-favorite team. But there was a solid, 40-year foundation in place.
- Then you have Sacramento. I can think of only a handful of recent examples where a team came so close to moving before staying put. An-11th hour State Senate vote provided funding for the new Comiskey Park and kept the White Sox from going to Tampa Bay...The T-Wolves looked headed for New Orleans, but the prospective new owners' finances -- not a fan-driven campaign -- led to the NBA nixing that deal...And of course, the SF Giants' saga from '92.
- Think of all the teams who've provided a lift to an economically depressed area (Pittsburgh in the '70s, the Kardiac Kids Browns, the Jim Kelly Bills). With the Kings, you have a franchise whose misfortunes -- owners doomed by the Housing Market Collapse -- mirror those of its fanbase.
An area whose ecomomy relies on state jobs and property taxes/home prices, Sacramento's economy really got hit hard starting in '07. The Maloofs' bottom line hasn't recovered since their stake in the Palms went belly-up around the same time. That the team hasn't been to the playoffs since 2006 is no coincidence.
suburbia said:RubberSoul1979 said:Whatever happens, this will be remembered as a unique chapter in the decades-long history of mobile franchises.
- Seattle's grassroots' campaign (exemplified by the "Zombie Sonics") is unique, and it found a willing/well-heeled partner in Hansen. The remaining support in the Northwest offers a reminder of how bizarre it was the club moved in the first place. Sure, it was the city's fourth-favorite team. But there was a solid, 40-year foundation in place.
- Then you have Sacramento. I can think of only a handful of recent examples where a team came so close to moving before staying put. An-11th hour State Senate vote provided funding for the new Comiskey Park and kept the White Sox from going to Tampa Bay...The T-Wolves looked headed for New Orleans, but the prospective new owners' finances -- not a fan-driven campaign -- led to the NBA nixing that deal...And of course, the SF Giants' saga from '92.
- Think of all the teams who've provided a lift to an economically depressed area (Pittsburgh in the '70s, the Kardiac Kids Browns, the Jim Kelly Bills). With the Kings, you have a franchise whose misfortunes -- owners doomed by the Housing Market Collapse -- mirror those of its fanbase.
An area whose ecomomy relies on state jobs and property taxes/home prices, Sacramento's economy really got hit hard starting in '07. The Maloofs' bottom line hasn't recovered since their stake in the Palms went belly-up around the same time. That the team hasn't been to the playoffs since 2006 is no coincidence.
Size of the fanbase is only one factor in a pro sports franchise's profitability. The value of the local television and radio contracts, luxury box revenue, club seat revenue, sponsorships and advertising are also factors.
The Winnipeg Jets had a far larger and more rabid fanbase in Winnipeg than it ever has had since moving to Phoenix in the mid 90s. It didn't keep them from moving.
RubberSoul1979 said:Whatever happens, this will be remembered as a unique chapter in the decades-long history of mobile franchises.
- Seattle's grassroots' campaign (exemplified by the "Zombie Sonics") is unique, and it found a willing/well-heeled partner in Hansen. The remaining support in the Northwest offers a reminder of how bizarre it was the club moved in the first place. Sure, it was the city's fourth-favorite team. But there was a solid, 40-year foundation in place.
- Then you have Sacramento. I can think of only a handful of recent examples where a team came so close to moving before staying put. An-11th hour State Senate vote provided funding for the new Comiskey Park and kept the White Sox from going to Tampa Bay...The T-Wolves looked headed for New Orleans, but the prospective new owners' finances -- not a fan-driven campaign -- led to the NBA nixing that deal...And of course, the SF Giants' saga from '92.
- Think of all the teams who've provided a lift to an economically depressed area (Pittsburgh in the '70s, the Kardiac Kids Browns, the Jim Kelly Bills). With the Kings, you have a franchise whose misfortunes -- owners doomed by the Housing Market Collapse -- mirror those of its fanbase.
An area whose ecomomy relies on state jobs and property taxes/home prices, Sacramento's economy really got hit hard starting in '07. The Maloofs' bottom line hasn't recovered since their stake in the Palms went belly-up around the same time. That the team hasn't been to the playoffs since 2006 is no coincidence.
RubberSoul1979 said:"We will talk to the Maloofs and seek in the next 24 to 48 hours whether we can help facilities a deal between the Ranadive group and the Maloofs for the sale of the franchise in Sacramento," Stern said.
Arrgh, the saga continues.
YankeeFan said:University of Washington football?
Bodie_Broadus said:YankeeFan said:University of Washington football?
Yes? Are you asking a question?