Section 101
All-Star
The problem is that they were bound by a horrible lease before. That's why nobody stepped up to buy the team. They aren't bound by that lease anymore. They finally got past city politics and have an arena deal where they will have full control of revenue from all events.
That being said, I think a case can be made for the value of the team being higher here due to being the only sport in town. Plus, I'll piggy back on the first paragraph. If I'm Burkle or whatever whale steps up, I'd seriously consider putting more money into the arena plan if it means having control of the building. It's a bigger financial sacrifice in the short term but makes sense in the long run as it gets you your money back and some. The Maloofs couldn't do that because they are so broke. When you're as loaded as a whale, you front your own money and then get help from the city to bridge the gap.
My point is that they didn't care until the team was going to move. They should have cared when an OKC guy was stepping up to buy the team. Bennett had the team for 2+ years before he moved it.