The Sacramento Kings have been trying for a few years now, and today, they're further away from a new arena than when they began. After the California Expo board ejected a plan that would have built arena in downtown Sacramento, the NBA has announced that they'll no longer be supporting the Kings efforts in Sacramento.
Could The Sacramento Kings Be Relocated?
It’s a departure from the previous stand taken by the NBA -- when David Stern pledged to personally lead the charge for a new arena -- and it’s hard not to take it as an ominous sign for the future. The NBA once pledged support for Seattle, too. Then the league pulled out over frustrations with the state legislature. And then ...
From the Sacramento Bee:
“On the heels of the disappointing – but not surprising – action (or inaction) of the state and Cal Expo board, it is fair to say that the NBA has ceased its activities on the Sacramento arena front,” league representative John Moag said in an email to The Bee. “However, we will continue to monitor and respond to the activities and options of others that might reasonably ensure the competitiveness and viability of the Kings’ franchise.”
The NBA wants a new arena in Sacramento, but with no solution in sight, it seems this is the league throwing up its hands. The threat of “other options” hasn’t been mentioned yet, but rest assured, it’s implicit. When the NBA doesn’t get what it wants ... Well, look at the city of Seattle.
That’s a doomsday scenario that’s still a ways off, of course. But with the rejection latest proposal and the NBA’s sudden refusal to continue this battle, the Kings are a step closer to relocation than they were yesterday. Here’s to hoping they don’t get any closer.
Read more at Sactown Royalty, and stay tuned for updates as the process continues.
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