Virginia Beach Kings?!

[VF21]

Peaches is misleading Kings fans about the strong chance the Kings might leave to help his ratings on Radio and TV.

Peaches ripped News10 here about misleading the city about this story to get ratings.

Now that's rich

Blatherprattle.

I detest Grant Napear but I cannot blame him at all for his comments on his show today. Who do I blame? Quite honestly, people like you who fan the flames and revel in the chaos.

 

[VF21]

i really hope its speculation. but it just seems like the report has more info than the normal random speculation. like how they say the maloofs and comcast are meeting in virginia next week

There was also a report that the Maloofs were flying to Seattle a while back to meet with people there. Sorry, but I'm not buying into this latest article of wishful thinking on the part of some local business journal in Virginia Beach.

 

[Trueblood]

The Maloofs want to maximize the value of the team before they sell. Any relocation has a fee that will increase their debt even more. The fact they turned down taking the city's deal for $75 mil means they can't afford to take on a relocation fee at this point. They are hoping there is a turn around in the economy over the next few years before they can afford it.

Right. Which is why I don't think relocation is a serious option right now. OTOH, leveraging big money people like Hansen, Ballmer and Nordstrom into a larger sale price by THREATENING relocation is a very real option for people like George Maloof who want to maximize the sale price of the team.

 

[bluntsnbball]

Virginia Beach sounds like a joke! i mean Anaheim, i understand. The Maloofs wanna go be LA playboys, be in the spotlight, on the scene, plus theyre fairly close to vegas. Virginia Beach makes sense only b/c the Thunder moved to some random *** town and blew up, but i doubt that will last unless the Thunder front office proves to be amazing for a long long time. Chances are the Thunder will be just as bad as the kings at some point, IMO.

But for real, if we have problems attracting free agents now, do the Maloofs really think theyll have a batter chance in Virginia! You think DMC wants to play in Virginia! I'm also getting sick of all these towns that "might" get an arena, and then pull the Kings. Why would they negotiate with a random *** place like VB when they could go to a city with a fully established new arena like Kansas City?

This rumor makes little sense to all of us who know the Maloofs, but i still can't help but let it affect me. We go and have a decent offseason and havent heard any relocation rumors in a while, and just when im getting comfortable, new rumors pop up. My heart is with the kings, but it's times like this when im glad i live in the bay now, so i have something to fall back on.

 

[KingsFanSince85]

Virginia Beach makes sense only b/c the Thunder moved to some random *** town and blew up, but i doubt that will last unless the Thunder front office proves to be amazing for a long long time. Chances are the Thunder will be just as bad as the kings at some point, IMO.

You're exactly right about OKC. They are NBA darlings right now because they are among the best teams in the NBA and they have Kevin Durant. But like the Kings with Chris Webber (who were also NBA darlings), what happens when they no longer have a star player and aren't among the elite? Is OKC gonna have more ability to attract free agents than Sacramento? Nope. Virginia Beach/Norfolk would be in the exact same position, and probably even worse.

 

[JB_kings]

I listened to C-Dave's show tonight. I thought he had pretty close to the right take on what this is all about. He likened it to the garbage we went through with Chris Webber the year he was going into free agency. Stuff like this is far fetched in reality, but it serves a purpose in negotiations. Why deny the rumor when it puts pressure on a few parties to up their deal? There are very good reasons to be ambiguous in denial, but also some really awful side effects for fans and sponsors who are trying to support the team.

Some tidbits:

Chris Hansen submitted $400 million offer to buy Kings and move. Maloofs rejected. VB rumor adds some competition to possibly up the offer.
Thinks the rumor serves as an urgent reminder to the City of Sacramento to sweeten their deal or risk the team moving. Perhaps something in the area of debt relief on the '97 loan.
Thinks the Kings best chance to stay in Sacramento is with the Maloofs as owners. Doesn't think Burkle would up his offer to the same neighborhood as Hansen.
Some people who have been working very hard to sign Sleep Train to a naming deal are not very happy about how this went down today. Including the ambiguous reply from Eric Rose.
Sleep Train Center should be announced fairly soon.

 

[swisshh]

The Maloofs and Peaches denying something means absolutely nothing. We should all know that by now. If one Maloof hasn't directly spoken to Virginia Beach reps then they will say they haven't talked to Virginia Beach even if they know their reps and the other reps are meeting about a move. For the Maloofs, the truth is whatever you can get away with. That's pretty much the moral anthem of today's business world.

What concerns me is the carefully worded comment by Eric Rose.

 

[Trueblood]

I listened to C-Dave's show tonight. I thought he had pretty close to the right take on what this is all about. He likened it to the garbage we went through with Chris Webber the year he was going into free agency. Stuff like this is far fetched in reality, but it serves a purpose in negotiations. Why deny the rumor when it puts pressure on a few parties to up their deal? There are very good reasons to be ambiguous in denial, but also some really awful side effects for fans and sponsors who are trying to support the team.

Some tidbits:

Chris Hansen submitted $400 million offer to buy Kings and move. Maloofs rejected. VB rumor adds some competition to possibly up the offer.
Thinks the rumor serves as an urgent reminder to the City of Sacramento to sweeten their deal or risk the team moving. Perhaps something in the area of debt relief on the '97 loan.
Thinks the Kings best chance to stay in Sacramento is with the Maloofs as owners. Doesn't think Burkle would up his offer to the same neighborhood as Hansen.
Some people who have been working very hard to sign Sleep Train to a naming deal are not very happy about how this went down today. Including the ambiguous reply from Eric Rose.
Sleep Train Center should be announced fairly soon.

If his sources are good then that supports my hunch that this was all a ploy to get Hansen to up his offer. If he doesn't, Sacramento is back in the driver's seat as VB is just being used like they were by the Hartford Whalers back in the late 90's.

 

[Circa_1985_Fan]

Yeah...IMO, we're getting the Maloof smoke screen. Va. Beach probably is being used as the pawn to Sacramento. We just need to watch out for the Maloof dirty oil slick...

 

[kennadog]

1) Seattle isn't even close to having an arena deal. They are actually farther behind on that issue than Sacramento.

2) Sacramento can't really sweeten the deal. The Maloofs were offered a damn good deal and turned it down flat with a ridiculous excuse that was flimsier than a Victoria's Secret negligee.

3) I completely disagree with Carmichael Dave. Our best chance to keep the Kings in Sacramento is with Burkle. Its also the best chance for the Kings to have any relevance as an NBA team.

4) I read the Hampton Roads article that was the source of the story. It would certainly appear that an arena in VB is likely and they are a convention town. The people behind the arena just promised to get a pro sports team. The Kings are going to keep coming up in these conversations, because all these places see them as a target.

5) If Burkle wants a team in Sacramento, do you really think the league is going to buy the Maloofs sob story that they can't make it in Sacramento? The Maloofs must be a total and complete embarrassment to the other owners, not to mention by passing up Sacramento's deal for an arena makes it hard for all the owners located in any small or medium market. Almost a third of the league is made up of media markets smaller than Sacramento. The arena deal was a perfectly good deal and the league was even willing to give (not loan) the Maloofs the $7 million needed for the pre-development costs. The league not only believed the deal was a good one, they were willing to put in $7 million for free.

Have I mentioned how much I hate the friggin' Maloofs?

 

[Mike0476]

This is from the latest as reported by the Bee:

Kings future in Sacramento in doubt again after Virginia report

http://www.sacbee.com/2012/08/24/4753365/kings-future-in-sacramento-in.html

"With the Maloofs, it's not what they say, it's what they don't say," (Doug) Elmets said. "If they are absolutely committed to Sacramento, then why not be transparent in this most recent rumor? By saying no comment, it means you have something to hide."

"I would simply like the ownership of the Kings to be upfront with the city about their intentions," (Jay) Schenirer said.

Schenirer said he still believes a deal for a new arena in downtown Sacramento is possible, but questions whether it could be done with the Maloofs as owners.

"To me, it seems pretty obvious that the Kings aren't that interested in staying in Sacramento," (Rob) Fong said. "We thought we had a deal with them for a new arena, but they kept finding ways to say no to it. Then they said they wanted to rehab the current arena, but I've seen no plans to do that. It's fair to conclude that they are looking elsewhere."

 

[HereWeBoogie]

What concerns me is the carefully worded comment by Eric Rose.

Exactly! if they have nothing to hide. then why not come out and say something like "this rumor is fake and we are commited to staying in Sacramento". but no they put out some statement being very careful to leave the door open for people to wonder whats really going on

 

[ParniValjak]

I don't get that really. Last time they wanted out the owners CRUSHED them, and many of the chief owners weren't happy about it at all. Why the opwners would all of a sudden be all perky and eager to back the Maloofs, who they largely seem to disdain, is beyond me. One of the major problems thorugout is that the Maloofs are indirectly HURTING all the other small market owners by damaging their own drives to get arenas built. Why would another city, and politicians in those cities, bend over to get an arena done if the NBA is going to let the team move anyway? Nobody wants them out of here at this point but the Maloofs.

This is exactly what I am thinking!

Maloofs have burnt a lot of bridges in the last few months, they have pissed off a lot of owners and Stern with what they pulled in the latest arena efforts. There is NO WAY Maloofs get enough votes to move the team. Stern wants them out, the owners want them out. Call it conspiracy theory if you like, call it whatever you like, but I think that whells are already in motion in the background to get Maloofs out of the way!

It most likely will be ugly. They threatened with the antitrust and would not be surprised if they went down this path and I doubt they win!

 

[ParniValjak]

From a business standpoint, this is the absolute worst time for this story to break. The Maloofs are trying to put butts in the seat with ticket packages. Of course, the Maloofs are not known for their biz savvy.

What if that is exactly what they want to do?! Drive the fans away! In their mind if th attendence is down, they are making a loss, no new Arena, the think that is enough arguments for them to file for relocation. Its what Shinn did in Charlotte to move the team to NO!

They are trying to cover themselves as much as possible! Stern comes out and says they won't be getting revenue sharing if they refuse to spend money so they go out and spend cap room. They don't spend it wisely, which goes towards their final goal but they spend enough to get NBA off their back! This is another ploy to drive the fans away. They say, look we spent the money, improved but they are still not coming to the games. In their minds, they have arguments, when it comes to NBA BOG, those guys will laugh and send them back to Sacramento.

This is Maloofs trying to cling on to their NBA team while the NBA would be pretty keen for them to sell, which they eventually will!

 

[Kingster]

Because the Maloofs have no credibility, and because Napier has little credibility, and because of the tawdry history of the arena deal, this kind of "news" report is bound to set off fireworks in Kings land, whether it is true or not. Every single time there is any report that vaguely hints at the Kings moving we'll be waiting for the ax to come down. It's just aggravating being in this position of uncertainty because of the dishonesty and incompetence of the Maloofs. How long are we going to have to have our necks on the block?

 

[kennadog]

Because the Maloofs have no credibility, and because Napier has little credibility, and because of the tawdry history of the arena deal, this kind of "news" report is bound to set off fireworks in Kings land, whether it is true or not. Every single time there is any report that vaguely hints at the Kings moving we'll be waiting for the ax to come down. It's just aggravating being in this position of uncertainty because of the dishonesty and incompetence of the Maloofs. How long are we going to have to have our necks on the block?

This is what I hate, too. Its pretty obvious that the Maloofs are never going to enter into negotiations or any agreement with Sacramento. They have never really tried to work with with the city on an arena deal. But, for now, we are stuck with these incompetant, lying owners.

Will their shyster ways eventually get them out of Sacramento? I can't think the league wants this horrible example to be set, but the bottom line is profits. We cannot be considered a city and market that didn't stand up for and support a new arena and this team. All this says to other cities is that even if they do everything they can as a partner to a pro team, they, too, can be screwed.

The Bee article however (Mike 0476 posted it above), makes it clear that this report isn't even a strong rumor with some legs. So far, all it is is the pipe dream of a few people spouting off hot air. Thanks VB.

 

[bajaden]

This is what I hate, too. Its pretty obvious that the Maloofs are never going to enter into negotiations or any agreement with Sacramento. They have never really tried to work with with the city on an arena deal. But, for now, we are stuck with these incompetant, lying owners.

Will their shyster ways eventually get them out of Sacramento? I can't think the league wants this horrible example to be set, but the bottom line is profits. We cannot be considered a city and market that didn't stand up for and support a new arena and this team. All this says to other cities is that even if they do everything they can as a partner to a pro team, they, too, can be screwed.

The Bee article however (Mike 0476 posted it above), makes it clear that this report isn't even a strong rumor with some legs. So far, all it is is the pipe dream of a few people spouting off hot air. Thanks VB.

I agree, that I don't think there's any credence to the Virginia Beach story. I also understand that the Kings are the most likely suspects for any city looking for a team. Lets face it, we all know that Virginia Beach exists now, and that they're looking for a team. What better way to put out the news than to poke a hot spot, and get national attention. The Maloofs have no control over Virginia Beach, or any other city that wants to connect their name to a project. But they do have control over how they respond. And thats the rub!

Whether they like it or not, this latest incident spread like wildfire across the national sports media world. And their response was, essentially, no comment! Thats like facing murder charges and pleading the fifth amendment. Whether you commited the crime or not, everyone thinks your guilty as charged. So in regards to the Maloofs, which is it? On the surface, the Virginia Beach story just doesn't make any sense. And if thats the reality of it, then the Maloofs are either very arrogant, or very stupid. Or perhaps both.

The Kings are basicly self supporting. That means in order to make a profit, they need to sell tickets. And I'm not buying this conspiracy theory about intentionaly alienating their fan base. Why would you sell second round picks to make money, and then throw that money away. Why would you spend money on advertising to the extent that they do. I just don't see a team hard up for money purposely chasing money away. That approach might work for a billionaire, but not for a family that appears to have lost most of its fortune. What I do see, is a group of brothers suffering from paranoia, circling the wagons, and taking a, us against the world stance.

Paranoia is a horrible thing. You tend to trust no one, and everyone looks like a potential enemy. It also causes you to make bad decisions. Tell me, is there anyone out there that watched that press conference with George Maloof after he blew up the arena deal that doesn't think he's dislusional and paraniod? The man looked like a raving maniac. Sadly, I don't see any of this changing. The family operates within its own circle. So all they have is imbred opinion. At least thats how it appears. And to think that George is the financial brains of the operation is scarey.

All the Maloofs had to do was release a statement saying that the whole Virginia Beach thing is nonsense. That they've never spoken to Virginia Beach, and have no interest in such a deal. They needed to reiterate once again, that they're commited to sacramento, and to building a competitive team. Now we may not have believed them, but it would have gone a long way toward putting out some of the fires, and it would have been a much better response than taking the fifth amendment. They are in serious need of a good PR man, or woman. Hey Bricky, are you available?

 

[sidney]

Whether the story is Anaheim, Seattle, Kansas City, or Virginia Beach it doesn't matter.

The most we as fans can hope for is that the Maloofs fail miserably in their attempt to remove the Kings in the name of self preservation. There's no new arena in sac while they are owners. With Stern and NBA on our side (so far) and a Maloof track record of incompetence and failure, I like our chances.

 

[LoungeLizard]

Yeah...IMO, we're getting the Maloof smoke screen. Va. Beach probably is being used as the pawn to Sacramento. We just need to watch out for the Maloof dirty oil slick...

The fact that you used graphics from Spy Hunter to illustrate your point is totally and completely AWESOME.

 

[SCKingsfan]

The fact that you used graphics from Spy Hunter to illustrate your point is totally and completely AWESOME.

I was thinking the same thing. Bravo!

 

[Mr. S£im Citrus]

Spy Hunter? Looks like Bump-N-Jump to me.

 

[Glenn]

This is what I hate, too. Its pretty obvious that the Maloofs are never going to enter into negotiations or any agreement with Sacramento. They have never really tried to work with with the city on an arena deal. But, for now, we are stuck with these incompetant, lying owners.

Will their shyster ways eventually get them out of Sacramento? I can't think the league wants this horrible example to be set, but the bottom line is profits. We cannot be considered a city and market that didn't stand up for and support a new arena and this team. All this says to other cities is that even if they do everything they can as a partner to a pro team, they, too, can be screwed.The Bee article however (Mike 0476 posted it above), makes it clear that this report isn't even a strong rumor with some legs. So far, all it is is the pipe dream of a few people spouting off hot air. Thanks VB.

Unfortunately I think the general perception outside of this area is that the city failed to provide an arena or at least, the city is the bad guy. Most people do not know that the arena deal was not only supported by the city and the NBA but that it was developed by the city and the NBA with the owners sitting passively on the sideline waiting to exercise what amounts to veto power. AND, and I mean AND, there was no upfront money asked of the owners. Their part of the expense was covered by the NBA to help the Maloofs get their feet back on the ground. These are facts.

Now the speculation is that if an arena was built, it would be built at a time that the team was on an uptick. It would most likely be sold out and as most of the time ticket prices go up when a new arena is built, they would have that benefit also. FAs would be more likely to come. Etc, etc., etc. The absolute craziness is that the owners would be as likely to make money in Sacramento as anywhere else. This is taking into account moving fees and the like.

What's not to like about this deal unless they are holding out for a prospective buyer to up their offer.

 

[VF21]

Unfortunately I think the general perception outside of this area is that the city failed to provide an arena or at least, the city is the bad guy. Most people do not know that the arena deal was not only supported by the city and the NBA but that it was developed by the city and the NBA with the owners sitting passively on the sideline waiting to exercise what amounts to veto power. AND, and I mean AND, there was no upfront money asked of the owners. Their part of the expense was covered by the NBA to help the Maloofs get their feet back on the ground. These are facts.

Now the speculation is that if an arena was built, it would be built at a time that the team was on an uptick. It would most likely be sold out and as most of the time ticket prices go up when a new arena is built, they would have that benefit also. FAs would be more likely to come. Etc, etc., etc. The absolute craziness is that the owners would be as likely to make money in Sacramento as anywhere else. This is taking into account moving fees and the like.

What's not to like about this deal unless they are holding out for a prospective buyer to up their offer.

Gotta disagree with that part. I frequent several other sports boards and without exception the prevailing opinion is that the Maloofs are the bad guys. People with any kind of interest at all in the whole sordid mess seem to be aware that Kevin Johnson and the City of Sacramento AND the NBA itself put a deal in front of the Maloofs that the brothers were simply too dumb or self-absorbed to accept. That's one of my few consolations in all this. The overall blame is being put at the feet of the right people. In all honesty, I suspect it's the Maloofs themselves who are most blinded by their own lies and smokescreens.

 

[Glenn]

Gotta disagree with that part. I frequent several other sports boards and without exception the prevailing opinion is that the Maloofs are the bad guys. People with any kind of interest at all in the whole sordid mess seem to be aware that Kevin Johnson and the City of Sacramento AND the NBA itself put a deal in front of the Maloofs that the brothers were simply too dumb or self-absorbed to accept. That's one of my few consolations in all this. The overall blame is being put at the feet of the right people. In all honesty, I suspect it's the Maloofs themselves who are most blinded by their own lies and smokescreens.

Stupid me!

 

[bajaden]

Gotta disagree with that part. I frequent several other sports boards and without exception the prevailing opinion is that the Maloofs are the bad guys. People with any kind of interest at all in the whole sordid mess seem to be aware that Kevin Johnson and the City of Sacramento AND the NBA itself put a deal in front of the Maloofs that the brothers were simply too dumb or self-absorbed to accept. That's one of my few consolations in all this. The overall blame is being put at the feet of the right people. In all honesty, I suspect it's the Maloofs themselves who are most blinded by their own lies and smokescreens.

Actually, even if true, it wouldn't matter. What folks in other cities think has little influence on the final outcome in sacramento. Its what the other owners and David Stern think that matters. I'm sure everyone has thier own opinion on that matter, but I'm pretty sure where Stern sits.

 

[VF21]

Stupid me!

???

I was just letting you know what I had observed at several other boards. I was actually a little relieved to know that our plight was not being ignored by people outside our own area and that the Maloofs weren't the masters of spin that they seemed to think they are. Didn't mean to imply anything. If I did, I apologize.

 

[PurpleHaze]

Actually, even if true, it wouldn't matter. What folks in other cities think has little influence on the final outcome in sacramento. Its what the other owners and David Stern think that matters. I'm sure everyone has thier own opinion on that matter, but I'm pretty sure where Stern sits.

Yep, it's all about the exclusive club of NBA owners. David Stern while a fan of Sacramento's effort to retain Kings does not have a vote as he's merely an employee of the owners. Sure he has influence but in the end it's BOG votes of which NBA commish has zero. Plus, he's suppose to retire in next year or two (30yrs come 2014 on the throne!) with deputy commish Adam Silver in line to replace him - if owners agree to his promotion.

 

[VF21]

Yep, it's all about the exclusive club of NBA owners. David Stern while a fan of Sacramento's effort to retain Kings does not have a vote as he's merely an employee of the owners. Sure he has influence but in the end it's BOG votes of which NBA commish has zero. Plus, he's suppose to retire in next year or two (30yrs come 2014 on the throne!) with deputy commish Adam Silver in line to replace him - if owners agree to his promotion.

So are you staying you think the majority of other owners are on board with what the Maloofs have done? I just don't think that's true. Owners like Mark Cuban, while a major pain in the arse sometimes, are good for the NBA. They're willing to spend, they constantly work to improve, and they have the funds to put a favorable product in front of the consumers. Owners like the Maloofs are an embarrassment to the NBA and the other owners. They do not paint a good image, especially for other owners of small market teams. I just do not see other owners supporting them and their actions. The Maloofs are the bad apple in the barrel and I strongly suspect a majority of the other owners would love to just see them go away to be replaced by people who are competent, solvent and worthy of owning a team.

 

[rainmaker]

My opinion is that Stern/Relo Co won't let the Maloofs leave and won't let them pollute another market. I also think I should take this article to the bathroom with me for when I run out of toilet paper, as that's how much credence I give to it, and I expect there will be more just like it.

I just don't see the Maloofs getting away from the fact they're trashing this market, and if you've done that, in the face of Stern while insulting the NBA publicly, I just don't see how the Relo Co forgives and forgets, and I also think the NBA would like a lawsuit and be more willing to go after the Maloofs in court than most think. While all this crap is going on, the Maloofs still aren't working with local businesses to improve sponsorships the way KJ did, are talking to freakin Sleep Train as a naming rights holder and are caught up in yet another ridiculous rumor about VB.

I actually thinks this all helps our cause.

Not amused.....

 

[Trueblood]

So are you staying you think the majority of other owners are on board with what the Maloofs have done? I just don't think that's true. Owners like Mark Cuban, while a major pain in the arse sometimes, are good for the NBA. They're willing to spend, they constantly work to improve, and they have the funds to put a favorable product in front of the consumers. Owners like the Maloofs are an embarrassment to the NBA and the other owners. They do not paint a good image, especially for other owners of small market teams. I just do not see other owners supporting them and their actions. The Maloofs are the bad apple in the barrel and I strongly suspect a majority of the other owners would love to just see them go away to be replaced by people who are competent, solvent and worthy of owning a team.

This is true but could also work against Sacramento because what happens if the Maloofs biggest offer to sell the team is from someone outside of Sacramento?

If the best offer to keep the team in Sacramento is at $325 million yet someone else is offering $425 million, what type of leverage and legal advantage does the league have? If the Maloofs say that they are better off keeping the team at Arco/PBP as opposed to taking a $325 million offer, does the league then throw up it's hands and let them sell for $425, knowing that it gets the Maloofs out of the club? And what if the relocation site is one that they could live with and doesn't reek like VB?