KJ's press conference and other latest news, rumors, etc.

[Rockmeister]

So, we have to wait until the END of February to hear if we have the whales? That's a very long time. I have NOT seen CONFIRMATION that we actually do have the whales. All I have seen is just RUMORS. If there are whales, where is the link because KJ has NOT mentioned them.

 

[Warhawk]

Maybe I am taking crazy pills here, but I was energized by Stern's comments. With many in the national media counting Sacramento out (Woj, Ratto, and MANY others), it was great to hear David Stern basically say, "Hanson/Ballmer has filed for ownership change, and they have filed for relocation. But Sacramento is getting ownership and an arena plan together, and when they do, they have a real shot at keeping the team in town." At least that is how I heard it.

This. He mentioned community support a couple times - an area that Sacramento clearly comes out on top, both with attendance and with the City assembling an arena plan with the NBA that MSE shot down (that really torqued the league/Stern). He also mentioned that the Seattle team does NOT currently have an arena "ready to go" - there are still a few issues for them to hammer out before they can start on anything.

 

[Warhawk]

So, we have to wait until the END of February to hear if we have the whales? That's a very long time. I have NOT seen CONFIRMATION that we actually do have the whales. All I have seen is just RUMORS.

It is a long time only long if you are IMPATIENT. You don't buy a house in a week, why would you expect to have a $500+ million dollar agreement to purchase a team and finance an arena figured out a week after it was announced that the team was being sold? We KNOW that Burkle is working on teaming up to make an offer. I think a lot of what is going on is trying to sort out the arena side of things. Patience, grasshopper.

 

[uolj]

I don't see it! How does the voting then work if they approve the sale? Nothing is defined with the combined committee.

http://www.cowbellkingdom.com/2013/...le-group-has-officially-filed-for-relocation/

Wouldn't the idea be that the owners would only approve the sale if they are going to approve the move, too. Since 3/4 need to approve the sale, then there would be plenty of votes for the move if that went through. Stern basically wants to make sure that the sale only goes through if the move is valid. Combining the committees that vet the sale and the move makes sense, because they should be considered a package.

 

[Jose]

It is a long time only long if you are IMPATIENT. You don't buy a house in a week, why would you expect to have a $500+ million dollar agreement to purchase a team and finance an arena figured out a week after it was announced that the team was being sold? We KNOW that Burkle is working on teaming up to make an offer. I think a lot of what is going on is trying to sort out the arena side of things. Patience, grasshopper.

Not to mention that he's also working on teaming up to buy AEG (independently of this). There are things there that also need to be worked out to avoid the Kings purchase being shut down due to conflict of interests.

Personally, I'm happy that they're taking their time instead of rushing to make a half-assed proposal. They will only get one shot at this, and if they do it right they should (and will) get approved. They know the timelines involved. Take your time, do it right, keep the team.

 

[Glenn]

The internet instant info era has upped our expectations of efficiency and we have to remember to dial back our expectations. In this instance, we need something done by Burkle/Mastrov/another whale? before March 1. It is not as if they began to think about this yesterday so if a deal can be put together, it will be put together. Something else crossed my mind is that if Stern sees a deal coming into place that seems solid but t's need crossing and i's need dotting, he can extend the time. The theory behind this is that there is no hurry on transferring ownership from Burkle/Mastrov from the Maloofs as nothing needs moving except cash from one pile to another. I think the only thing that can hurt us is if the deal really can't be done from our end and never could be done.

I would like to ask rainmaker how sure he is on the division of labor between Burkle and Mastrov. He said Burkle would cover the arena and Mastrov the team. That leaves me queezy. Mastrov has already lost a bid on one team. Burkle is clearly the man that can run a team or see that it is run in that his Penguins won the Stanley Cup. Point being, and I think it is obvious, is that Burkle would be the sure thing on buying the team. The BOG would welcome him with open arms. Now maybe some mixing and matching is being done and this is the way I would see it as a slam dunk. Burkle and Mastrov would own parts of both with Burkle being the managing partner of the team and Mastrov being a minority partner on whatever is left of the team. Mastrov, as a minority partner of the team could sign off on the arena on the dotted line that the Maloofs scorned. So could Burkle but it depends on the egos of both men.

Bottom line: relax. I know I will not totally relax until everything is signed but there is no reason to be pessimistic unless Mastrov and Burkle don't have the money at which point Tetsujin and I will purchase the team.

 

[Gilles]

It might be exactly to avoid owning two franchises from one league, why Mastrov is made the face of the group, acquiring the team. AEG own LA Kings and some part of LA Lakers, so removing at least Kings - Lakers conflict speed things up for Burkle in buying AEG.

 

[funkykingston]

I would like to ask rainmaker how sure he is on the division of labor between Burkle and Mastrov. He said Burkle would cover the arena and Mastrov the team. That leaves me queezy. Mastrov has already lost a bid on one team.

Just to be clear, Mastrov lost his bid because he offered less than Lacob's group and not because the BOG didn't like him. In this case they know exactly what the existing bid is and what they need to match.

Having an arena deal in place is much more important than the division of labor of the prospective owners. That and convincing the BOG that keeping the team in town is the right choice.

 

[Kingsgirl4]

This action today is what we have been expecting. And. it doesn't seem to change anything. Why a surge of pessimism? It always has been a huge task to mate whales and a city. Nothing has changed. kJ, the monied folks and the city government have a big task and they may make it and they may not. I'm optimstic but I also know we can lose out. Keep the right thought and buy tickets to see the Kings bad as they are. Go Kings.

I completely agree! We all knew this was coming. There was no surprise in the announcement. I would rather have it take longer for the whales to come into play so we have a strong and solid plan to bring to the table in April. I am very optomistic and will continue to support our Sacramento Kings!

 

[HereWeBoogie]

kinda weird that KJ had hinted that he wanted to announce the major equity partners a couple weeks ago, and it keeps getting pushed back week by week

 

[Mojo]

It might be exactly to avoid owning two franchises from one league, why Mastrov is made the face of the group, acquiring the team. AEG own LA Kings and some part of LA Lakers, so removing at least Kings - Lakers conflict speed things up for Burkle in buying AEG.

Maybe Burkle isn't buying the part of the Kings and the Lakers from AEG though, just other divisions. I believe there was there talk that everything could get split up with the Kings/Galaxy/Home Depot Center/Etc... going to different groups.

 

[Livinthedream]

kinda weird that KJ had hinted that he wanted to announce the major equity partners a couple weeks ago, and it keeps getting pushed back week by week

KJ isn't the one putting the money up for the team. So no matter what, he can't force Burkle/Mastrov to work on his timeline. The only timeline that matters is the NBA's. I want to see the whales announced too. But what I want even more than that is when they are announced, everything is rock solid.

 

[upinsmoke]

Even if they were announced 2 weeks ago it would not change anything. Everything needs to be in order when the BOG is ready to hear KJ out.

 

[VF21]

kinda weird that KJ had hinted that he wanted to announce the major equity partners a couple weeks ago, and it keeps getting pushed back week by week

No, it's not weird at all. It's business. As has been said above, people are getting way too used to instant responses and immediate action. In this case, it's not gonna happen. There are a lot of things that have to fall in place before an official announcement is made about the major equity partners. There is A LOT of money at play here and no one will want to jump prematurely and muck up the works.

KJ has been pretty transparent about all this. He said he wanted to make the announcement but that it wouldn't be made until everything had been ironed out. That's more than okay with me. We only get one shot at this ... I want them to take all the time they need to make sure they take the BEST shot, not just the quickest.

 

[The Hammer]

I guess that's where my skepticism comes in. I'm just not as confident as you and others that KJ is going to be able to get an amazing deal together......I just think it's too late. I hope I'm wrong, I really do....

I'm having a hard time understanding what you mean by "too late". He had a buy two years ago. He had an arena deal a year ago. Maloofs said they wouldn't sell. Then arrange this deal on the hush hush, and bust it out out of nowhere. Stern says officially that the NBA would consider Sac's offer. How is that too late? When could it have been earlier? Burkle basically offered to buy the team two years ago at appraised value. How could it possibly be "too late?" Hansen and Maloofs are not in charge here. Stern is.

 

[KingsFanatic]

I'm having a hard time understanding what you mean by "too late". He had a buy two years ago. He had an arena deal a year ago. Maloofs said they wouldn't sell. Then arrange this deal on the hush hush, and bust it out out of nowhere. Stern says officially that the NBA would consider Sac's offer. How is that too late? When could it have been earlier? Burkle basically offered to buy the team two years ago at appraised value. How could it possibly be "too late?" Hansen and Maloofs are not in charge here. Stern is.

Well, everyone is surely entitled to their opinion, but I guess I'm just not ready to believe that that KJ is ready to announce a huge explosive deal that will knock Stern's socks off and no doubt keep the kings here....I've had my heart broken too many times in the past to just accept it because I hear it in the media.... Until they come out and actually announce this monster deal, I have every reason to be skeptical and not believe it, but if you believe otherwise, more power to you....

 

[Section 101]

Well, everyone is surely entitled to their opinion, but I guess I'm just not ready to believe that that KJ is ready to announce a huge explosive deal that will knock Stern's socks off and no doubt keep the kings here....I've had my heart broken too many times in the past to just accept it because I hear it in the media.... Until they come out and actually announce this monster deal, I have every reason to be skeptical and not believe it, but if you believe otherwise, more power to you....

Best time to drop the bomb is all star weekend with all the reporters in 1 place.

 

[Brac-o-matic]

Well, everyone is surely entitled to their opinion, but I guess I'm just not ready to believe that that KJ is ready to announce a huge explosive deal that will knock Stern's socks off and no doubt keep the kings here....I've had my heart broken too many times in the past to just accept it because I hear it in the media.... Until they come out and actually announce this monster deal, I have every reason to be skeptical and not believe it, but if you believe otherwise, more power to you....

Can you, as a Kings fan, name one thing that KJ has been really confident that he will come through on, and then NOT come through with it? He has a pretty stellar track record with big moves to save the team...

 

[KingsFanatic]

Can you, as a Kings fan, name one thing that KJ has been really confident that he will come through on, and then NOT come through with it? He has a pretty stellar track record with big moves to save the team...

There's a difference between being confident in organizing a movement to keep the kings here and being confident in getting a buyer to seal the deal..There's only so much KJ can do...as the old saying says, you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink...I absolutely love KJ, but if the ball is in the buyer's court, there can be things being talked about behind the scenes that the buyers aren't too happy about that we never even hear about...I'm sure we are just exposed to a small piece of what's really going on, but again, there's only so much KJ can do.

 

[Mike0476]

Well, everyone is surely entitled to their opinion, but I guess I'm just not ready to believe that that KJ is ready to announce a huge explosive deal that will knock Stern's socks off and no doubt keep the kings here....I've had my heart broken too many times in the past to just accept it because I hear it in the media.... Until they come out and actually announce this monster deal, I have every reason to be skeptical and not believe it, but if you believe otherwise, more power to you....

There is a keyword above that I have lived by since before all of this started. I used to attend city council meetings before it was the place to be. It was just developers, business leaders, the usual nut jobs who love to hear themselves speak and myself.

Mayor Johnson has never let us down and I will always support him and our city in any way I can.

I cannot speak for my friends, but if I felt this was over then I would have never volunteered my own time and money on this grassroots stuff.

It is like having a full time job on top of my real job that pays the bills. No one asked me to do what I do. Like I said I volunteered myself. It's like joining the military. No one makes you enlist to fight for your country. No one asked me to enlist to fight for my city.

Why do I continue to do all of this? Because I believe. I believe in Mayor Johnson. I believe in Sacramento.

#Believe

 

[VF21]

Well, everyone is surely entitled to their opinion, but I guess I'm just not ready to believe that that KJ is ready to announce a huge explosive deal that will knock Stern's socks off and no doubt keep the kings here....I've had my heart broken too many times in the past to just accept it because I hear it in the media.... Until they come out and actually announce this monster deal, I have every reason to be skeptical and not believe it, but if you believe otherwise, more power to you....

Has KJ broken your heart? Nope. Has he come through every single time on what he said he could do? Yep.

IT'S NOT JUST THE MEDIA. I don't mean to be rude, but I think you're diminishing the incredible job being done by Mike and all the CrownDowntown folks. Have you watched any of the city council meetings? Have you listened to what was being said, not only by the speakers but by the city council?

If there was no chance, why would 25 area millionaires be promising to invest in the new ownership? If there was no chance, why would David Stern say he's looking forward to seeing the proposal from the Sacramento group? If there was no chance, why would so many people be pledging good money for next year's season tickets? If there was no chance, why are fans in other NBA cities getting in touch with Kings fans or their local sports radio shows to voice their support?

If you're not ready to believe, that's your choice but what you're doing is trying to convince others not to believe. And that's just wrong. You don't have every reason to be skeptical. There is every reason to BELIEVE that this will all work out. You're choosing not to do so. Of course, there are always those who want to point out the most dire consequences, the ones who want to rain on everybody else's parade.

You keep saying you hope you're wrong. Well. I not only hope you're wrong, I believe you're wrong. Right now the folks like Crown Downtown and KJ and everyone else working their hearts out for this last ditch effort need people to believe in them. We've believed in our Sacramento Kings since 1985. I cannot understand how you could give up the race when we're so close to the end.

 

[kennadog]

I'm actually a pessimistic person. However, I believe Sacramento has a very good chance to keep the Kings. Stern knows how badly the Maloofs have treated a very good NBA market. Mismanaging the franchise, backing out of an excellent, league-approved arena deal and negotiating a secret deal with Hansen without ever letting the Sacramento know the team was even available for sale. As Stern pointed out not long ago, Sacramento has been an especially supportive city.

I do know that Seattle has some very important advantages and is a much sexier pick. But don't, for a second, count Sacramento out. We've been underestimated before.

By the way, why are people worried about Burkle and Mastrov/other possible buyers working together? He's not the majority owner of the Penguins and that seems to have worked out just fine.

 

[panda]

I think the Kings stay in Sac, there are just too many conspiracy strings to be pulled for me to think otherwise.

-Maloofs embarrassed Stern by rejecting arena deal, tried to move the team to another Cali market, then to Vegas, then to Virginia, then sneakily sell to a Seattle group after declaring the team wasn't for sale

-Cali state senator wanting to investigate Hansen and his contracts with the state

-minority owners right of first refusal suit, bankruptcy shares auction, former nba owner in the local support press conference

-Seattle not having an arena. the old arena wasn't enough to keep the Sonics, the city refused to fund a new one and there are lawsuits against the proposed location now

-Seattle, already having NFL, MLB and MLS franchises, voted against keeping the Sonics then tried to shame and embarrass the nba by playing the victim. Yet have tried to acquire not only the Kings but also the edmonton oilers

-if Burkle is a whale and purchases AEG, he would control a third of current nba arenas, he also saved the Penguins, kept them in Pittsburg and won a championship. he was also instrumental in ending nhl lockout. NHL commish Bettman worked with Stern in the nba previously

-the deletion of an original franchise. This stands out to me the most, history and tradition are what the league is built on, killing the Kings to relaunch the Sonics is completely different than renaming them but honoring franchise records. I don't think Stern wants to be the guy that creates that precedent

 

[KingsFanatic]

Has KJ broken your heart? Nope. Has he come through every single time on what he said he could do? Yep.

IT'S NOT JUST THE MEDIA. I don't mean to be rude, but I think you're diminishing the incredible job being done by Mike and all the CrownDowntown folks. Have you watched any of the city council meetings? Have you listened to what was being said, not only by the speakers but by the city council?

If there was no chance, why would 25 area millionaires be promising to invest in the new ownership? If there was no chance, why would David Stern say he's looking forward to seeing the proposal from the Sacramento group? If there was no chance, why would so many people be pledging good money for next year's season tickets? If there was no chance, why are fans in other NBA cities getting in touch with Kings fans or their local sports radio shows to voice their support?

If you're not ready to believe, that's your choice but what you're doing is trying to convince others not to believe. And that's just wrong. You don't have every reason to be skeptical. There is every reason to BELIEVE that this will all work out. You're choosing not to do so. Of course, there are always those who want to point out the most dire consequences, the ones who want to rain on everybody else's parade.

You keep saying you hope you're wrong. Well. I not only hope you're wrong, I believe you're wrong. Right now the folks like Crown Downtown and KJ and everyone else working their hearts out for this last ditch effort need people to believe in them. We've believed in our Sacramento Kings since 1985. I cannot understand how you could give up the race when we're so close to the end.

This has nothing to do with the community. I think what others like Mike have done for the community is awesome, but ultimately it still comes down to the buyers decision.... Geez, all I'm doing is stating my opinion and getting attacked only because I say I'm not as confident as some of you others, and I talk to many others every day that feel the same way..

That's fine if you don't, and if I end up being wrong, I'll gladly admit it, and admit that you guys were right, as long as you are also able to do the same and admit that I was right if they do end up going to Seattle....

 

[Warhawk]

This has nothing to do with the community. I think what others like Mike have done for the community is awesome, but ultimately it still comes down to the buyers decision.... Geez, all I'm doing is stating my opinion and getting attacked only because I say I'm not as confident as some of you others, and I talk to many others every day that feel the same way..

That's fine if you don't, and if I end up being wrong, I'll gladly admit it, and admit that you guys were right, as long as you are also able to do the same and admit that I was right if they do end up going to Seattle....

Frankly, who gives a rat's *** if you are "right" and they move? Who gives a ****? AT THAT POINT WE WILL NOT HAVE A TEAM!

You apparently are so concerned with possibly BEING "right" you can't be overly concerned with DOING what is right. Help. Do what you can to help keep the team here. That is what the rest of us are trying to do. And if you can't do that then be quiet and stay out of the way of the rest of us that ARE trying.

Because, frankly, if you are "right" nobody will be here anymore to put you on your "pedestal" anyways. You can have your spotlight all to yourself. I don't know of anyone else who wants it except Seattle basketball fans - and those folks aren't hanging around here.

 

[Kingsguy881]

Frankly, who gives a rat's *** if you are "right" and they move? Who gives a ****? AT THAT POINT WE WILL NOT HAVE A TEAM!

You apparently are so concerned with possibly BEING "right" you can't be overly concerned with DOING what is right. Help. Do what you can to help keep the team here. That is what the rest of us are trying to do. And if you can't do that then be quiet and stay out of the way of the rest of us that ARE trying.

Because, frankly, if you are "right" nobody will be here anymore to put you on your "pedestal" anyways. You can have your spotlight all to yourself. I don't know of anyone else who wants it except Seattle basketball fans - and those folks aren't hanging around here.

LOL!!!! Great post. Just about sums it up right there.

 

[Gary]

Frankly, who gives a rat's *** if you are "right" and they move? Who gives a ****? AT THAT POINT WE WILL NOT HAVE A TEAM!

You apparently are so concerned with possibly BEING "right" you can't be overly concerned with DOING what is right. Help. Do what you can to help keep the team here. That is what the rest of us are trying to do. And if you can't do that then be quiet and stay out of the way of the rest of us that ARE trying.

Because, frankly, if you are "right" nobody will be here anymore to put you on your "pedestal" anyways. You can have your spotlight all to yourself. I don't know of anyone else who wants it except Seattle basketball fans - and those folks aren't hanging around here.

Really dude? Really?

Kingster, I am very cautious as well. I am not going to celebrate until I see Stern up on a podium saying the Kings will stay in Sacramento. At this point I think the odds are about 75%-25% that the Kings move. It pisses me off to the point that I really haven't been here to talk about it much because I don't want to spoil anyone's good moods, but I am in the same boat as you are. I feel like crap and feel that at the end of the day I have this sneaking suspicion that the Kings will move. Stern will congratulate Sacramento ect ect but then will say the Seattle deal was better or something. That's how I think it's going to go down.

In regards to this Kings moving issue I am a "glass half empty" kinda guy. I feel I had to come here to tell you that you're not the only one that feels like crap about this.

Any yes, I have supported the Kings since a bit before1990 or there about and had had season tickets for 8 years and LOVE my Kings. It's just hard for me to get exited, even with the positivve news, at least until a deal is signed.

I know, I know.. You say to read all the local news and such, but that's only a very small % of the reporting that's going on. The other 90% of the media is reporting the Kings are already out the door so they kind of bum me out.

 

[HndsmCelt]

I think the Kings stay in Sac, there are just too many conspiracy strings to be pulled for me to think otherwise.

-Maloofs embarrassed Stern by rejecting arena deal, tried to move the team to another Cali market, then to Vegas, then to Virginia, then sneakily sell to a Seattle group after declaring the team wasn't for sale

-Cali state senator wanting to investigate Hansen and his contracts with the state

-minority owners right of first refusal suit, bankruptcy shares auction, former nba owner in the local support press conference

-Seattle not having an arena. the old arena wasn't enough to keep the Sonics, the city refused to fund a new one and there are lawsuits against the proposed location now

-Seattle, already having NFL, MLB and MLS franchises, voted against keeping the Sonics then tried to shame and embarrass the nba by playing the victim. Yet have tried to acquire not only the Kings but also the edmonton oilers

-if Burkle is a whale and purchases AEG, he would control a third of current nba arenas, he also saved the Penguins, kept them in Pittsburg and won a championship. he was also instrumental in ending nhl lockout. NHL commish Bettman worked with Stern in the nba previously

-the deletion of an original franchise. This stands out to me the most, history and tradition are what the league is built on, killing the Kings to relaunch the Sonics is completely different than renaming them but honoring franchise records. I don't think Stern wants to be the guy that creates that precedent

Panda drops the mike and strides off stage.

 

[Warhawk]

Really dude? Really?

Kingster, I am very cautious as well. I am not going to celebrate until I see Stern up on a podium saying the Kings will stay in Sacramento. At this point I think the odds are about 75%-25% that the Kings move. It pisses me off to the point that I really haven't been here to talk about it much because I don't want to spoil anyone's good moods, but I am in the same boat as you are. I feel like crap and feel that at the end of the day I have this sneaking suspicion that the Kings will move. Stern will congratulate Sacramento ect ect but then will say the Seattle deal was better or something. That's how I think it's going to go down.

In regards to this Kings moving issue I am a "glass half empty" kinda guy. I feel I had to come here to tell you that you're not the only one that feels like crap about this.

Any yes, I have supported the Kings since a bit before1990 or there about and had had season tickets for 8 years and LOVE my Kings. It's just hard for me to get exited, even with the positivve news, at least until a deal is signed.

I know, I know.. You say to read all the local news and such, but that's only a very small % of the reporting that's going on. The other 90% of the media is reporting the Kings are already out the door so they kind of bum me out.

You know what? Nobody cares how you "feel" - "feeling" doesn't do **** to keep the team. If you want to sit there and wallow in misery because you listen to the media and believe that the team is gone despite some hope to the contrary, then you are part of the problem, or, at least, not part of the solution. What have YOU done to help keep the team here? That is the question to ask!

So quit posting about how you (in general terms, not "you" Gary) think the team is gone and how you will be "right" if they don't stay. Nobody cares, nobody who is working to save the team wants to hear it, and by sitting there whining about the possible move you aren't helping the situation at all. So get off your collective a**es and contribute in some way. Show up at City Council meetings. Donate to the cause if you live far away. Write letters to the paper, other team owners, or Stern.

And dammit, if nothing else, quit coming here to be a "debbie-downer" - complaining when people don't appreciate a defeated attitude and childlike whining.

As the saying goes - lead, follow, or get out of the way. KJ is being the ultimate leader right now. Mike (and others) are doing some leading. I am trying to follow closely as best I can. It sounds like right now we just need you to get out of the way, unless you choose to help.

 

[jdbraver]

If the guy wants to post on a board reasonable arguements why he feels a certain way. I'm fine with that. Doesn't mean he doesn't care as much as u do. Let the guy speak!!

You know what? Nobody cares how you "feel" - "feeling" doesn't do **** to keep the team. If you want to sit there and wallow in misery because you listen to the media and believe that the team is gone despite some hope to the contrary, then you are part of the problem, or, at least, not part of the solution. What have YOU done to help keep the team here? That is the question to ask!

So quit posting about how you (in general terms, not "you" Gary) think the team is gone and how you will be "right" if they don't stay. Nobody cares, nobody who is working to save the team wants to hear it, and by sitting there whining about the possible move you aren't helping the situation at all. So get off your collective a**es and contribute in some way. Show up at City Council meetings. Donate to the cause if you live far away. Write letters to the paper, other team owners, or Stern.

And dammit, if nothing else, quit coming here to be a "debbie-downer" - complaining when people don't appreciate a defeated attitude and childlike whining.

As the saying goes - lead, follow, or get out of the way. KJ is being the ultimate leader right now. Mike (and others) are doing some leading. I am trying to follow closely as best I can. It sounds like right now we just need you to get out of the way, unless you choose to help.