Sacramento Kings moving franchise to the OC, CA.

I'm curious how the economy has changed things. Shortly after the Texans paid $800 mil to get a franchise, the widely held belief in NFL circles was that they would not let any existing franchise move to LA because they want to split up what could be a billion dollar buy-in. They also said the league would not go beyond 32 teams, so the only way to do it would be for the league to buy an existing franchise, contract it, and then let someone buy "the new LA franchise"

That was pre Goodell and before the economy went into the tank.

Now, I think they're using the threat of moving to LA to try to get new stadiums built in Minneapolis and maybe Oakland and San Diego.

There have been so many rumors over the last 10 years that I'll believe LA is getting a team right about the time they announce it. I do think that will happen at some point, but who knows when?

 

Now, I think they're using the threat of moving to LA to try to get new stadiums built in Minneapolis and maybe Oakland and San Diego.

I can't speak for Oakland, but there is no new stadium coming to SD.

 

I don't think there is in Oakland either.

 

If the taxpayers are going to be on the hook for an arena in which the Kings are not committing to play ...

 

A Sacto city official sent a letter to Anaheim telling them to back off trying to acquire the Kings.
Pissed off the Maloof Bros. Can't remember which one was quoted, but he essentially said to the Sacto guy, keep your nose out of our business.
Anaheim votes tonight on the $75 million bond issue.

 

Bizarre on several fronts:

1) What can a Sacto city official use as leverage/pressure to get Anaheim to back off, other than saying, "please don't do it?"

2) What the fuck do the owners of the Kings expect Sacramento to do, just lube up and bend over?

Oh yes, he's a billionaire. That's what he expects EVERYBODY to do for him. Of course.

 

Honda Center is city owned, Duck have a long-term lease.

 

Five years down the road, the Kings/Royals will say their "deal" with the arena is crappy and demand an arena of their own. How many NBA teams aren't the "primary tenant" of the arena they play in (besides the Clippers)?

 

Well, of course it needs work!! After all, almost 15 years have passed since it was last renovated at a cost of $118 million. That's an eternity in pro sports!

 

Technically, the L.A. Kings people own Staples Center and a minor piece of the Lakers. The Lakers are actually the tenant.

Arte was quoted the other day as not being totally behind the SactoKings coming to town because of the added competition for advertising dollars. He said that just because this team shows up doesn't mean there is automatically more money available for advertisers to throw their way.