On the most recent Kings Herald podcast, Jerry Reynolds said McNair doesn’t care about what happens outside the next 2 years, strongly implying he has a playoffs or out ultimatum. Similar mentions of ticket sales and things getting dire in the front office. Still haven’t heard this reported reliably by these whispers are mounting up
I wonder what Vivek’s out is if it continues to crater? We’re last in attendance and apparently the next local TV contract might be worth *less* than the Kings. Does Vivek sell to an ownership group with cash to weather bad years and rebuild? Does relocation come back on the table a la Rams-to-LA? Lots of whispers that something bad happens to the franchise if money doesn’t come pouring back in but it’s hard to imagine what the consequences actually are, beyond ownership losses
Thanks. I need to listen to it.
Thoughts and questions:
1. The 2 yr window makes sense. I think McNair has until next year’s trade deadline.
2. I think the Kings got Covid relief on the mortgage payments for G1C. Don’t remember when those payments restart. Likely soon.
3. Kings are on the hook for a ton of development around the arena. Poor product, inflation that we haven’t seen since the 80s, a town that is still anchored by the state govt, and possibly a recession. Things are looking pretty dire.
4. Teams use early, guaranteed access to playoff tickets to sell season tickets. Despite what others say, from ownership’s view, McNair cost the Kings tens of millions in revenue for next year. Yes, McNair. He’s the top basketball dude. It falls on him. The seat will be HOT.
5. Are those whispers that you’re hearing or that Jerry is? Or both?
6. I think the likeliest scenario is a new managing partner. The Giants have gone through three in the last 20 yrs. Why not the Kings? Two PEs bought into the Kings this off-season, so changing an MP should be more likely. And PEs can raise cash, if the Kings need it, so that should solve some of those issues.