MUST READ! Voisin: Stern saved Sacramento

[VF21]

This is arguably one of the best articles Voisin has written.

[h=1]Ailene Voisin: Stern saves Sacramento again[/h] By Ailene Voisin
avoisin@sacbee.com
Published: Sunday, May. 19, 2013 - 12:00 am | Page 1C
Last Modified: Sunday, May. 19, 2013 - 12:36 pm

We could nominate him for sainthood. We could erect a statue in front of the downtown arena. We could name a street after him. But at the very least, we should schedule a David Stern Day before the NBA commissioner retires Feb. 1, 2014, because this is the man who saved the Kings...



Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2013/05/19/5431626/ailene-voisin-stern-saves-sacramento.html#storylink=cpy

(And I can hear the heads exploding in Seattle already.)

 

[ninjabiscuit]

I don't read that as Stern doing anything shady.

 

[Jose]

I don't read that as Stern doing anything shady.

Nothing shady, but it goes in lines with other reports that Stern was VERY influential in the BoG's decision. It was the right thing to do from every point of view (sorry, Seattle). However, the 22-8 vote showed something: that the owners can be swayed, money (for some of them) is more important that doing what's right for the league and the incumbent city.

This is a very important learned lesson for Hansen/Ballmer: nex time you try to steal a team, go for the kill from the start. Don't put up a high offer (525) that you think won't be matched, if you're actually willing to go higher. Go for the kill - put out your $650M + $116M relocation fee on the table in your initial offer. If he had done that here, it may have been impossible for the local ownership group to match. And it would have been nearly impossible for the other owners to resist. Instead, by coming in "low" and gradually increasing the offer he came across as shady and slimy, most likely enough to turn off a lot of the owners.

 

[Glenn]

Nothing shady, but it goes in lines with other reports that Stern was VERY influential in the BoG's decision. It was the right thing to do from every point of view (sorry, Seattle). However, the 22-8 vote showed something: that the owners can be swayed, money (for some of them) is more important that doing what's right for the league and the incumbent city.

This is a very important learned lesson for Hansen/Ballmer: nex time you try to steal a team, go for the kill from the start. Don't put up a high offer (525) that you think won't be matched, if you're actually willing to go higher. Go for the kill - put out your $650M + $116M relocation fee on the table in your initial offer. If he had done that here, it may have been impossible for the local ownership group to match. And it would have been nearly impossible for the other owners to resist. Instead, by coming in "low" and gradually increasing the offer he came across as shady and slimy, most likely enough to turn off a lot of the owners.

This may have worked but it is exactly the scenario Stern was trying to avoid and I suspect he would have fought this to the death. It seems obvious there are plenty of people or groups of people in our modern society that have so much money they don't know what to do with it. They can rearrange any of the major sports if the free market has its way. Long time rivalries could be destroyed, heritages could disappear, etc. Clearly we live in a society where the rich simply get richer and the average fan is at the mercy of their whims. Stern is trying to stop that but it seems inevitable that what you said will happen and pretty soon we will have musical franchises.

 

[Jose]

Even Gary Payton is on our side. From the Bee comments:

"From GaryPayton

Boofrikinghoo... all the crying from Seattle fans is hilarious. The hipocrisy is unbelievable: cry about what happened to them, yet want HBN to turn around and do the same to Sacramento.

Seattle lost their team due to diminishing attendance and no political support. When the team was for sale, nobody stepped up with a local ownership group to save the team.

In Sacramento, the political support has been there for years. It's been the Maloofs who refuse to accept a deal, as they've been greedily waiting to screw the city and get a big payday by moving a team. They've been holding a grudge since the Anaheim move was blocked.

Now, Seattle fans wanted HBN to buy the team, promise a "good faith" effort to keep in Sacramento, but to really sabotage any arean deals and move it to Seattle. Much worse than what Bennett did.

Seattle, stop being hipocrites - shut up and go back to driking your coffee and longing for sunny days.

Your day will come, you will get a team via expansion. "

 

[jalfa]

Nothing shady, but it goes in lines with other reports that Stern was VERY influential in the BoG's decision. It was the right thing to do from every point of view (sorry, Seattle). However, the 22-8 vote showed something: that the owners can be swayed, money (for some of them) is more important that doing what's right for the league and the incumbent city.

This is a very important learned lesson for Hansen/Ballmer: nex time you try to steal a team, go for the kill from the start. Don't put up a high offer (525) that you think won't be matched, if you're actually willing to go higher. Go for the kill - put out your $650M + $116M relocation fee on the table in your initial offer. If he had done that here, it may have been impossible for the local ownership group to match. And it would have been nearly impossible for the other owners to resist. Instead, by coming in "low" and gradually increasing the offer he came across as shady and slimy, most likely enough to turn off a lot of the owners.

turns out that the offer you're talking about wasn't quite as high as HBN would have you believe:

The sweetened offer leaves the Sacramento purchase, on its face, $59 million short of Seattle's. But the true gap between Seattle's bid, and what the Maloofs will take away from selling to Ranadive, is just a few million dollars.

Why? If the Seattle deal had been approved, the Maloofs would have put $25 million of their payout toward the relocation fee owed to the NBA, the source said. In addition, although the Seattle deal is dead, the Maloofs get to keep the $30 million nonrefundable deposit Hansen and Microsoft CEO Ballmer gave them in early February.

That shaves the effective difference to about $5 million. Both purchase prices include assumption by the new owners of $140 million in debts owed by the Maloofs to the city and the NBA, which is deducted from the family's payout.

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2013/05/17/5429834/kings-new-ownership-group-kicks.html#storylink=cpy

 

[Jose]

turns out that the offer you're talking about wasn't quite as high as HBN would have you believe:

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2013/05/17/5429834/kings-new-ownership-group-kicks.html#storylink=cpy

That is some creative math... but it doesn't really matter at this point. The point was, if HBN had put their $800M on the table right away instead of a little bit at a time, the outcome could have been different.

Don't be surprised when they go after another team and put $800M on the table right away and end up stealing the team.

 

[Glenn]

That is some creative math... but it doesn't really matter at this point. The point was, if HBN had put their $800M on the table right away instead of a little bit at a time, the outcome could have been different.

Don't be surprised when they go after another team and put $800M on the table right away and end up stealing the team.

I agree but isn't there something indecent about this? Yes, we live in a society where a team's value is based on the last offer but this is beginning to sound like our over heated real estate market yet at a much different level. Isn't there something about this that makes you uncomfortable? H/B has already demonstrated that $30 mil is pocket change (didn't they or have I lost track?) but to pay $800 mil for a team outside of New York and LA is to buy a team that will lose money and it's equity might come crashing downward also. This makes me cringe although it may be inevitable. There are plenty of people who could do this if they had an interest in basketball.

I can't. That's what my accountant says.

 

[Jose]

I agree but isn't there something indecent about this? Yes, we live in a society where a team's value is based on the last offer but this is beginning to sound like our over heated real estate market yet at a much different level. Isn't there something about this that makes you uncomfortable? H/B has already demonstrated that $30 mil is pocket change (didn't they or have I lost track?) but to pay $800 mil for a team outside of New York and LA is to buy a team that will lose money and it's equity might come crashing downward also. This makes me cringe although it may be inevitable. There are plenty of people who could do this if they had an interest in basketball.

I can't. That's what my accountant says.

Of course it's indecent. I'm not advocating for it. I'm just saying that it seems inevitable, and if there's something to learn from this Seattle fiasco is that it's going to happen sooner or later. The only way the league could control this is maybe via expansion... or at least the "threat" of looming expansion (why pay $800M for a team when you can get an expansion team for 1/2 the price). But that brings up a whole other set of problems.

 

[VF21]

That is some creative math... but it doesn't really matter at this point. The point was, if HBN had put their $800M on the table right away instead of a little bit at a time, the outcome could have been different.

Don't be surprised when they go after another team and put $800M on the table right away and end up stealing the team.

If they start to throw $800M at another team, I'm betting the BoG would have NO difficulty in changing their mind about expansion, TV deal be damned. There's no way the league would let that kind of money change hands without stepping right in the middle of it.

 

[pdxKingsFan]

I nominate the next home game against the Thunder as David Stern Appreciation Night.

 

[Jose]

I nominate the next home game against the Thunder as David Stern Appreciation Night.

I nominate the next Kings game in OKC be officially "retro" night and OKC gets to wear Sonics jerseys.

 

[Gary]

I nominate the next Kings game in OKC be officially "retro" night and OKC gets to wear Sonics jerseys.

Can they do that? I thought Seattle kept all the Sonics name/history ect ect.

 

[Warhawk]

I agree but isn't there something indecent about this? Yes, we live in a society where a team's value is based on the last offer but this is beginning to sound like our over heated real estate market yet at a much different level. Isn't there something about this that makes you uncomfortable? H/B has already demonstrated that $30 mil is pocket change (didn't they or have I lost track?) but to pay $800 mil for a team outside of New York and LA is to buy a team that will lose money and it's equity might come crashing downward also. This makes me cringe although it may be inevitable. There are plenty of people who could do this if they had an interest in basketball.

I can't. That's what my accountant says.

From earlier today:

mitch levy ‏@kjrmitch 1h
Been told that the reports of the Seattle group turning down the return of the $30M deposit have been somewhat erroneous.

Seattle ownership is/was willing to let the money ride as somewhat of a display of their continuing desire to get the next franchise.

Unclear whether that will be ok with the league and still very possible that all/part of the money will be returned.

 

[pdxKingsFan]

Can they do that? I thought Seattle kept all the Sonics name/history ect ect.

Actually I think they just lost it and will have to buy it back from Bennett as the result of not having a team for the 2013-2014 season. They got a 5 year grace period.

 

[kingjatt]

Can they do that? I thought Seattle kept all the Sonics name/history ect ect.

actually clay bennett still owns the sonics history so technically they could.

 

[Glenn]

actually clay bennett still owns the sonics history so technically they could.

There is something truly odd about this statement "Bennett still owns the Sonics history." There has been enough shifting about of teams like OKC, NOLA, etc. and I can see why Stern fought for stability of franchises. Didn't Vancouver move to Memphis? Gee, doesn't the city own the history, don't the fans own the history? I know it is legally far more complex than that but man am I happy Stern fought for us and perhaps the things that are bugging my poor old brain are what he used as an argument.

Some rivalries are historic like Boston and Lakers. What if one city's team was sold and moved. Poof! goes the history. Now I realize the movement of either of these two specific teams probably never would happen but there are certainly lesser examples. I am a strong believer in history, etc. and hope stability hits the NBA.

Thanks for having the presence of mind, Mr. Stern. I hope Silver is of similar mind but I think with the amounts of money floating about among the rich, we may see many teams try to shift from one city to another. I hope not. Maybe most of you don't have the same mind set as I do which may be a good thing as I see myself in the mirror.

Our franchise is one of the most traveled from Rochester to Cincinnati to Kansas City to Sacramento. I wonder what attachment Oscar Robertson has to Sacramento? Probably none although we really are part of the franchise that he made famous or vice versa. I doubt if many of us look at Oscar and see him as part of our history. Heck, he played two cities go.

 

[kennadog]

Our franchise is one of the most traveled from Rochester to Cincinnati to Kansas City to Sacramento. I wonder what attachment Oscar Robertson has to Sacramento? Probably none although we really are part of the franchise that he made famous or vice versa. I doubt if many of us look at Oscar and see him as part of our history. Heck, he played two cities go.

Actually, the Maloofs instituted the Oscar Robinson Triple Play award in 2003 and its awarded at the end of each season. JT won it this year. Oscar Robinson presented it himself the first year and other years. I believe he may present it in person every year. It is a thrill to see him at the arena.

The Oscar Robertson Triple-Double Award winner is selected by a panel of local sports media journalists and presented to the deserving Kings player who best exemplifies winning characteristics, both as an athlete and a conscientious citizen active in the community. Deconstructed, the "triple" signifies on-court accomplishments: He is a team leader, embodies the spirit of sportsmanship and plays an outstanding all-around game, whereas the "double" signifies his impact off the court by demonstrating commitment to community service and family.

Read more here: http://blogs.sacbee.com/sports/king...ertson-triple-double-award.html#storylink=cpy

 

[kingjatt]

There is something truly odd about this statement "Bennett still owns the Sonics history." There has been enough shifting about of teams like OKC, NOLA, etc. and I can see why Stern fought for stability of franchises. Didn't Vancouver move to Memphis? Gee, doesn't the city own the history, don't the fans own the history? I know it is legally far more complex than that but man am I happy Stern fought for us and perhaps the things that are bugging my poor old brain are what he used as an argument.

Some rivalries are historic like Boston and Lakers. What if one city's team was sold and moved. Poof! goes the history. Now I realize the movement of either of these two specific teams probably never would happen but there are certainly lesser examples. I am a strong believer in history, etc. and hope stability hits the NBA.

Thanks for having the presence of mind, Mr. Stern. I hope Silver is of similar mind but I think with the amounts of money floating about among the rich, we may see many teams try to shift from one city to another. I hope not. Maybe most of you don't have the same mind set as I do which may be a good thing as I see myself in the mirror.

Our franchise is one of the most traveled from Rochester to Cincinnati to Kansas City to Sacramento. I wonder what attachment Oscar Robertson has to Sacramento? Probably none although we really are part of the franchise that he made famous or vice versa. I doubt if many of us look at Oscar and see him as part of our history. Heck, he played two cities go.

a great point that goes overlooked, whats stopping a multi-billionare from coming to a seller and offering 1 billion or an outrageous amount and wanting to pay whatever it takes to move the team to where ever they want even a tiny market, on a national article it said stern had less sway with the younger owners who were goo-goo eyed by the dollar signs but at the same time those young guys didnt realize that it sets a precedent for hostile takeovers and an unstable league, relocation has become bad in all leagues. with the way fans can mobilize now(twitter, internet, etc) it will be vary hard for seattle to pry away a team from anyone.

 

[Trueblood]

The city of Seattle owns the Sonic name but Bennett owns the history/records. He's willing to sell it back but at a price. Otherwise, a new Seattle team and OKC would share the history meaning that all of Jack Sikma's rebounds belong to both the Thunder and a hypothetical new Seattle team.

 

[Bricklayer]

 

[Livinthedream]

From earlier today:

mitch levy ‏@kjrmitch 1h
Been told that the reports of the Seattle group turning down the return of the $30M deposit have been somewhat erroneous.

Seattle ownership is/was willing to let the money ride as somewhat of a display of their continuing desire to get the next franchise.

Unclear whether that will be ok with the league and still very possible that all/part of the money will be returned.

The league can't give the appearance of being bribed, and don't want a precedent of people putting non-refundable deposits down to attempt to handcuff the league. Wouldn't be surprised if the league forced Hansen to take his money back.

 

[VF21]

mitch levy ‏@kjrmitch 1h
Been told that the reports of the Seattle group turning down the return of the $30M deposit have been somewhat erroneous.

Seattle ownership is/was willing to let the money ride as somewhat of a display of their continuing desire to get the next franchise.

Unclear whether that will be ok with the league and still very possible that all/part of the money will be returned.

That makes a lot more sense than the idea of Hansen just giving up on $30M.

 

[Kingsfan23]

That is some creative math... but it doesn't really matter at this point. The point was, if HBN had put their $800M on the table right away instead of a little bit at a time, the outcome could have been different.

Don't be surprised when they go after another team and put $800M on the table right away and end up stealing the team.

They then have to prove the market isn't viable before the team goes anywhere... Granted, if they come in Clay Bennett style and say they will contribute no money to the effort and alienate the fans/political base, I guess they could go far. Still, I don't know if it would have worked here because the political, corporate and fan support would have made it tough, consitutionally, for the relocation committee to ok relocation