(Bee) Breton: Wary fans force Stern to go soft

[ladyjay114]

The Kings, like many other professional teams over the past several years, want a new arena because the new arena would bring them lots of new revenue. That doesn't mean in many cases, of course, that the existing arena is in terrible physical shape, only that the team would get more money out of a new one. Yankee Stadium is a good example of many. It doesn't need to be replaced. It WILL be replaced, however, because this way the team can get their hands on millions of dollars of taxpayer support.

In Sacramento's case, our arena really DOES need to be replaced. We DO need a new one. But if one isn't constructed as to give the Maloofs the maximum bang for the buck (in terms of maximizing their revenue via taxpayer subsidy) they aren't going to stay. The arena is just a way for them to get their hands on taxpayer $$$.

I think this is actually pretty clear. I don't know what the confusion is.

How is this in the slightest bit relevant???

Because why can't the Maloofs compete without figuring out a way to wring taxpayer subsidies? Because the overhead/cost side is out of control. That's what's annoying people. Why should taxpayers subsidize Stern's folly?

You call it a hypothetical, but look at the recent election results. They are anything but hypothetical.

1. Yankee Stadium will eventually need to be replaced, but the Yankees are picking up the tab for the majority of the project. It will cost $1B: Steinbrenner will pick up the cost of the stadium ($800M) and the city of NY will pick up $200M tab for infrastructure improvements. The $200M may seem like alot, but understand the Bronx always had major infrastructure issues still unresolved from before the fiscal crisis of the 70s. And the stadium sits in a neighborhood where, not too long ago, it was one of the poorest in the city.

2. Of course the Maloofs need a building that will maximize their revenue. Why? Because they can't compete with teams with larger revenue streams. We want a good team on the court, but the Kings will have to open its wallet to sign and/or trade better players. The problem is they can't go too far over the cap or else they'll bleed red. The Knicks and Bulls on the other hand can sign/trade for better players because they have bigger payrolls and bigger revenue streams that can cover the lux tax. It would be nice to have a shot at a big talent, but without salary cap room or enough roster salary to trade with, then we can enjoy mediocrity for years to come.

3. I understand people find it not fair to fund private ventures with public subsidy. But this city & county has to find a way to generate tax revenue. And without a corporate base, entertainment district or tax increase, something's got to give.