NBA stepping into Sacramento arena issue

[gunks]

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/43259/20061115/nba_to_step_into_sacramento_arena_issue/

Maloofs had a talk with Stern it seems.

Sounds like they're serious about keeping the Kings in Sacramento though, at least according to that article.



The NBA announced on Wednesday, at the request of the Maloof family, the league office will be directing future efforts with respect to the possibility of a new multi-purpose arena for Sacramento – to be home for the Kings and the Monarchs.

After a ballot proposal for a sales tax increase to help fund a new arena was defeated by the voters, the Maloofs met with NBA Commissioner David Stern and Deputy Commissioner Adam Silver and requested that the NBA assume the lead on the best way for a public/private partnership to develop a new arena for Sacramento.
“The Maloofs have never wavered in their interest in keeping their teams in Sacramento and they have requested that we take a leadership role in helping them achieve that goal,” Stern said.

“We believe that David Stern’s combination of experience and creative thinking will help us find a plan that will work for both the public and the team,” Joe Maloof said. “We will remain an integral part of the process, but the league is going to take the leadership role going forward.
Gavin and I and the rest of the management team are going to be spending 100% of our time supporting the Kings and Monarchs and enhancing the experience of our loyal fans and community partners.”

 

[JB_kings]

I like that move. If the Maloofs image is hurting the process, then let the NBA represent the Kings in this issue.
So now should we expect weekly articles from Graswich calling David Stern names?

 

[JB_kings]

David Stern is on 1530 talking about this now. I came in late, but it appears to be legit. The Maloofs asked the NBA to take this role.

 

[kennadog]

I like that move. If the Maloofs image is hurting the process, then let the NBA represent the Kings in this issue.
So now should we expect weekly articles from Graswich calling David Stern names?

Exactly. The Maloofs said last week they planned on doing this. I, too, think this is great. It should take the personal attack garbage out of the conversation. Anyone against any deal, will at least not have the Maloofs as their whipping boys. They can just hate the whole NBA. (Which I'm sure many will.)

 

[JB_kings]

I do have to chuckle at the thought of Stern and his team negotiating with the city. If they thought John Thomas was out to get everything, they haven't seen them big city lawyers from New Yawk city yet. The nice part is that the city will give up more and yet somehow feel good about it.

 

[love_them_kings]

The Maloofs sent out the press release accompanied with this note "We have great news for you, for Sacramento and for all great fans of the Kings and Monarchs today. As you will see in the news release below from the NBA this afternoon, Commissioner David Stern has agreed to take over leadership of the process of finding a new arena solution for Sacramento. We are excited about the prospects for a successful outcome in the near future.

Thank you very much for all of your support,"

(signed by the Maloofs)


I think this can only be a good thing. Getting the Maloofs out of the equation, IMHO, will make the chances of this thing happening better in two ways 1) get rid of the naysayers who hate the Maloofs, and 2) let the Maloofs get back to what they do best & let others handle the arena.... the Maloofs are just frustrated at this point & need to step back & let someone else take charge.

 

[ShatteredVision]

If You Don't Like THAT, Then YOU DON'T LIKE NBA Basketball!!

But in all seriousness, let the big boys butt heads with the city and let's see the local media put spin on this...

 

[VF21]

This is good in a lot of ways. For one, R.E. Graswich is going to have to find someone besides the Maloofs to pick on. For another, the Bee just might have to start presenting better coverage - because if they don't I'm pretty sure the NBA will make sure the national media does.

I LIKE THIS!

What basic message does it send? The Maloofs are serious about wanting to find a way to get a deal done, as they've said all along. Take that, those of you who were convinced this was all some kind of devious plot to get the team moved.

I LOVE THIS TEAM!

 

[BigWaxer]

Yup, totally agree. This is a very good thing IMO. I like what JB said, the city will in the end give up more most likely. Stern and Co. don't mess around, he is the best commish IMO of the major sports and he brings a lot of pull with him.

On a side note, if the city screws with the NBA like they have with the Maloofs then we are in trouble as Kings fans go.

What we need is to find out when Dave Jones is up for election and start a vote no on him campaign.

 

[VF21]

This could end up being negotiated without the need for a vote. I wouldn't be at all surprised if this could signal the beginning of some kind of monetary involvement between the NBA and the new arenas.

I am VERY excited about this news. And I'm really excited that the Maloofs aren't going to be the poster boys for all the wrath that's been spewing forth lately. They can get back, as they said today, to being the owners of the Kings and the Monarchs and seeing they do everything they possibly can to make the whole experience of being a fan the best it can possibly be for all of us.

 

[kennadog]

This could end up being negotiated without the need for a vote.

I wouldn't be at all surprised if this could signal the beginning of some kind of monetary involvement between the NBA and the new arenas.

I am VERY excited about this news.

Actually, if the NBA wants to keep small- or even mid-market teams from having to move to get a new arena, I think Stern needs to figure a way for the league to help financially. People are going to turn away from the NBA, if well-supported teams are forced to move by the economics of building a new arena when its time.

 

[voteno]

this would be a great move

Actually, if the NBA wants to keep small- or even mid-market teams from having to move to get a new arena, I think Stern needs to figure a way for the league to help financially. People are going to turn away from the NBA, if well-supported teams are forced to move by the economics of building a new arena when its time.

It really is about time that the NBA starts thinking about supporting the need for its own arena. I believe stern said that he was going to throw all available resources to get an arena built. Do you think that included financial support?

 

[VF21]

Actually, if the NBA wants to keep small- or even mid-market teams from having to move to get a new arena, I think Stern needs to figure a way for the league to help financially. People are going to turn away from the NBA, if well-supported teams are forced to move by the economics of building a new arena when its time.

That was my thought, too, Kennadog. Regardless, I hope they can start moving forward now that the league is involved. I can't stress strongly enough how glad I am the Maloofs aren't going to have to walk around with the huge target on their backs any longer.

 

[kennadog]

That was my thought, too, Kennadog. Regardless, I hope they can start moving forward now that the league is involved. I can't stress strongly enough how glad I am the Maloofs aren't going to have to walk around with the huge target on their backs any longer.

That I totally agree with. I imagine it was not easy for the Maloofs to turn over control to Stern, but I definitely think it is the right thing to do. Now that it is decided, I'd think they must feel very relieved.

Whether H Benjamin made a remark about them being "politically tone deaf" or not, I think its true in a good way. They aren't politicians. That's clear and what is so wrong with that?

Stern is good, saavy and smart. If he and the league honchos can't get this done, then it probably is hopeless. But right now, this move has made me feel much better.

 

[kupman]

Best news of the past 3-4 months!

 

[JB_kings]

I don't think that Stern is going to put NBA money into anything other than his own staff. It would set a dangerous precedence that surely would be exploited in future arena issues.

If the city is throwing a party over this, they better cut it short. Stern isn't going to play the emotional role of storming out or be frustrated by politicians trying to gain an inch. The city will still have to give up everything the Maloofs have been after and in return the NBA might offer the All Star game, Team USA exhibitions or some other revenue generating events for the city. You can bet the farm that not one single thing the Maloofs have been after will be dropped.

 

[Bricklayer]

This is endgame stuff here, and the 500lb gorilla just entered the room. There really won't be any more time for dickering around or playing games. Once Stern gets involved...well he's wielding the big stick. He's going to lay out what he needs, and if you don't give it to him, he's going to give permission to the Maloofs to pack up.

All of which may have some real use -- even a Sacramento politician has to know that there is urgency now. But its still a real risk -- there is no longer any safety blanket of "oh the NBA won't let them move". Stern doesn't hear what he needs to hear, oh yes they will. And there's no longer any "the Maloofs would never move!" either. They are done with the process. Either Stern's presence changes the landscape, or there's nothing holding things together. Also largely eliminates any chance of the Maloofs selling the franchise to keep it in place -- its no longer about ownership. Its a direct deal with the league.

 

[kennadog]

I don't think that Stern is going to put NBA money into anything other than his own staff. It would set a dangerous precedence that surely would be exploited in future arena issues.

If the city is throwing a party over this, they better cut it short. Stern isn't going to play the emotional role of storming out or be frustrated by politicians trying to gain an inch. The city will still have to give up everything the Maloofs have been after and in return the NBA might offer the All Star game, Team USA exhibitions or some other revenue generating events for the city. You can bet the farm that not one single thing the Maloofs have been after will be dropped.

I'm not all all sure that they will insist on the exact same things. For one, many of the things the Maloofs wanted were site specific. Many of their desires aren't necessary at a site like the current Natomas. I'm going to keep an open mind at this point.

Besides, I think much of what transpires may be on how to do the financing. Again, other financing may negate some of what the maloofs were asking for.

A combination of different financing and a different site could make the deal look nothing like the one that never happened.

We can only wait and see, without pre-judgement.

I don't think some sort of financial assistance from the league is necessarily a bad precendent. I know the NFL economics are completely different, but the NFL helps finanance stadia. I just think the NBA is going to have to start looking at how to fix the economics of the league, if they want the league to thrive.

Maybe this could be the beginning of some creative thinking in how to do that, maybe not. But I think the league has to come up with some economic plan for the long run.

 

[kennadog]

This is endgame stuff here, and the 500lb gorilla just entered the room. There really won't be any more time for dickering around or playing games. Once Stern gets involved...well he's wielding the big stick. He's going to lay out what he needs, and if you don't give it to him, he's going to give permission to the Maloofs to pack up.

All of which may have some real use -- even a Sacramento politician has to know that there is urgency now. But its still a real risk -- there is no longer any safety blanket of "oh the NBA won't let them move". Stern doesn't hear what he needs to hear, oh yes they will. And there's no longer any "the Maloofs would never move!" either. They are done with the process. Either Stern's presence changes the landscape, or there's nothing holding things together. Also largely eliminates any chance of the Maloofs selling the franchise to keep it in place -- its no longer about ownership. Its a direct deal with the league.

And I agree with this assessment totally. This is really it for Sacramento and its not a stage that's going to drag on forever. The Maloofs said they could maybe stay in Arco for 2-3 more years. That means a deal has to happen soon or the Maloofs have to go elsewhere. And this is the scary part of this announcement. It either gets done soon or its over.

 

[ladyjay114]

Actually, if the NBA wants to keep small- or even mid-market teams from having to move to get a new arena, I think Stern needs to figure a way for the league to help financially. People are going to turn away from the NBA, if well-supported teams are forced to move by the economics of building a new arena when its time.

I don't think some sort of financial assistance from the league is necessarily a bad precendent. I know the NFL economics are completely different, but the NFL helps finanance stadia. I just think the NBA is going to have to start looking at how to fix the economics of the league, if they want the league to thrive.

Fantastic points!!!

There's a waiting list of people trying to buy NFL teams (including the Maloofs) because the business model is wonderful. All teams make money in the NFL owner system.

If I'm an investor, I'd be skeptical about owning an NBA team because there are too many franchises with issues, especially that have to do with arenas.

 

[Arena Skeptic]

Egg. Zactly.

This is endgame stuff here, and the 500lb gorilla just entered the room. There really won't be any more time for dickering around or playing games. Once Stern gets involved...well he's wielding the big stick. He's going to lay out what he needs, and if you don't give it to him, he's going to give permission to the Maloofs to pack up.

All of which may have some real use -- even a Sacramento politician has to know that there is urgency now. But its still a real risk -- there is no longer any safety blanket of "oh the NBA won't let them move". Stern doesn't hear what he needs to hear, oh yes they will. And there's no longer any "the Maloofs would never move!" either. They are done with the process. Either Stern's presence changes the landscape, or there's nothing holding things together. Also largely eliminates any chance of the Maloofs selling the franchise to keep it in place -- its no longer about ownership. Its a direct deal with the league.

(Is this the first time we've all agreed?)

Now, look at one of the things Mayor Fargo added: That if it's not downtown, she will not support use of public funds for it. And in any case, she will not support a sales tax hike to fund it.

That's an important wind-shift right there. Fargo (and others too, I assure you) looked at that 80-20 loss for the tax hike and said, "We're not doing that again." The R part of Q&R? It's dead, forever.

That means, seat surcharges. And the Maloofs have rejected that idea.

If there are any people around who have LESS understanding of California tax laws than our own Board of Sups and City Council, I guarantee you, David Stern is one of them. Every time he says, "Well, we'll just tap this new tax source", the answer will be NO.

I hope people understand this point by now. Even if it's just $1 on every $400 you spend, take a guess what the voters will say. If your answer included the word "reject" in it anywhere, come downtown and pick up your banana (though not from me; I forgot my bananas today. But I hope you see my point anyway).

 

[VF21]

(Is this the first time we've all agreed?)

Now, look at one of the things Mayor Fargo added: That if it's not downtown, she will not support use of public funds for it. And in any case, she will not support a sales tax hike to fund it.

That's an important wind-shift right there. Fargo (and others too, I assure you) looked at that 80-20 loss for the tax hike and said, "We're not doing that again." The R part of Q&R? It's dead, forever.

I personally think people are reading too much into the 20-80 figures. These measures were handled so poorly and with such a dearth of education for the public, there was NO WAY they were going to pass...ever.

I'm not as concerned with the tax "hike" (nice use of a loaded word, BTW) as I am with Heather Fargo's proclamation. She's about as consistent on this issue as shifting sands. At one point not too long ago, before the railyards came into the picture, Fargo was stressing the importance of a state-of-the-art facility to the entire area. Now she's saying it has to be downtown?

Heather Fargo only cares about one thing: Heather Fargo and her legacy. There are times when I really miss Joe Serna and this is one of those times. I actually find it difficult to reconcile in my mind the use of the title Mayor by Fargo when you compare those two people who have been given the honor of holding the office.

If there are any people around who have LESS understanding of California tax laws than our own Board of Sups and City Council, I guarantee you, David Stern is one of them. Every time he says, "Well, we'll just tap this new tax source", the answer will be NO.

I wouldn't be quite so quick to dismiss David Stern and his knowledge of tax laws or anything else having to do with getting an arena proposal accepted. The NBA has fingers in a lot of pies and a lot of support corporations owe a lot of their profit margin to them. I expect Stern can and will put pressure anywhere he feels it might do some good.