The Maloofs will likely seek to move the Sacramento Kings to Anaheim at the end of the season. We present 19 non-emotional reasons that's a bad, bad idea for the NBA.
Mar 3, 2011 - It has become a bit of a foregone conclusion that the Sacramento Kings will be relocated to Anaheim before the next NBA season. The Maloof family, who has owned the Kings since 1999, has yet to file for relocation, but the NBA this week granted the franchise an extension on its application to move. The Maloofs will meet with other owners on April 14-15 as the regular season ends, and the Kings' decision will be made by April 18.
You know what the other 28 NBA franchise owners should tell the Maloofs? No. No, you're not moving to Anaheim. While I'm obviously a Sacramento-bred Kings fan with a whole grip of emotion tied up in this ordeal, I believe the following 19 points are logical and fact-based enough to get the point across without tears and pleading.
1. Sacramento has sold out every game in 17 of 26 seasons. The Kings have sold out all 41 home games in 17 of their 26 seasons in the Sacramento. Think about that: The gym was packed in every game for an entire season 17 out of the 26 years the team has been in town. (All of this comes despite a .438 winning percentage since the Kings moved to Sacramento.)
2. Sacramento has two of the five longest sellout streaks in NBA history. Can you imagine the NBA abandoning a devoted market like Portland or Chicago? Sacramento is right there in terms of fan loyalty, with two of the longest sellout streaks in league history, one of which came over 11 seasons, during which the Kings made the playoffs twice and never won a postseason series.
3. Sacramento would become the largest U.S. market without a major pro sports team. Sacramento is the No. 20 U.S. media market. All 19 metropolitan areas ahead of it have at least one, usually 3-4, major pro sports team. If the NBA abandons Sacramento, it will be leaving a gaping sports void, the type the NBA itself usually likes to fill. (The next two largest media markets with a major pro sports team? Hartford-New Haven and Asheville-Greenville.)
4. Sacramento finally has a mayor who understands how important the Kings and the NBA are to the city. Mayor Kevin Johnson, a former All-NBA point guard who grew up in Sacramento, is in the process of developing the first proposal for a new arena plan he's been allowed to since taking office. When Johnson came into office, the NBA was pursuing a lofty and, many felt, completely bat guano insane plan that needed the approval of a state board. It didn't work, and the NBA abandoned the efforts. Johnson took over, and for the first time in the last decade Sacramento has a leader with the connections and foresight to get something done.
5. Sacramento has never been closer to a new arena. Johnson brought in one of Sacramento's most trusted developers in David Taylor, and brought in ICON, who has helped build several NBA arenas. The group has until early May to develop a feasibility study and funding plan for a downtown arena. The NBA owes it to Sacramento to hear the plan out.
6. The Honda Center is 18 years old. By leaving the 23-year-old Power Balance Pavilion for the 18-year-old Honda Center, the Kings would be kicking the can down the road. Orange County voters will almost certainly never approve public funding for a new NBA and NHL arena, and it could be a decade before a new facility in Anaheim could be built with private money, or when Honda Center could be renovated (at the costs of millions and millions of dollars, given California regulations).
7. Anaheim is not a proven NBA market. When the NBA moved the Sonics to Oklahoma City, OKC was already proven to be a legitimate NBA market, thanks to the city's brief hosting of the Hornets after Hurricane Katrina. Anaheim has no such history of grassroots support for the NBA. Sacramento has shown to be basketball-crazy. It's not in the NBA's interests to abandon proven markets for unproven ones.
8. Los Angeles is saturated with entertainment and sports options. In Sacramento, the Kings are the big draw. In Los Angeles, there are two NBA teams, a college program (UCLA) that treats itself like an NBA team, a football program (USC) that treats itself like an NFL team when it's not on probation, two NHL teams, two MLB teams, an NFL team an hour away, another MLB team an hour away, beaches, Disneyland, Charlie Sheen, the sun, Korean BBQ and so, so much more. Sacramento has the Kings and a railroad museum. (Obviously, I'm exaggerating a little. Sacramento has a lot to offer, but nothing but the NBA to offer sports fans. No major college programs. Not even an MLS team.)
9. Increased television revenue will not help other NBA teams. Under the current financial structure of the NBA, teams keep their own local T.V. money. Reports suggest the Maloofs are planning to move to Anaheim largely to soak up the Lakers' ending deal with FoxSports for a regional sports network. So the Maloofs' revenue stream from local T.V. will certainly increase, and on the surface, that's better for the league. Except not a single other NBA owner will see a dime of that money.
10. Kings' subservient relationship to NHL in Anaheim is not a good look. Henry Samueli, the owner of the NHL's Anaheim Ducks, owns the Honda Center and would control the Maloofs' lease on the property as well as all future renovations. In terms of power in Anaheim, the NBA would be behind the NHL. That's not desirable from a P.R. outlook or in business, period.
11. Building generations of future fans is accomplished through the live game. Sacramento has a proven track record of great attendance when the team isn't completely awful. Young fans become engaged and addicted to the NBA game through the live experience -- the amazing players and plays, the spectacle of it all. An Anaheim team will be T.V.-driven -- the Ducks are in the bottom 10 in attendance in the NHL -- and the Kings would always be competing with the glamorous Lakers and Blake Griffin-led Clippers for the live dollar. Moving to Anaheim is a complete short-term bid.
12. Sacramento has a built-in and eternal customer base: government officials and lobbyists. A great portion of Sacramento's workforce is devoted to the public sector. So while Sacramento lacks big corporations, it has the State of California as a major employer. Lobbyists love to take high-powered politicians out to see sporting events, and the Kings would remain the only game in town in Sacramento. Maybe it's not right, but it's the truth.
13. Not all avenues in Sacramento have been explored. If the NBA is going to abandon a wonderful market like Sacramento, all avenues should be explored and exhausted. That clearly has not happened. There has been one ballot measure -- a measure that failed primarily because the Maloofs withdrew support for it during the campaign -- and there was one (huge and completely unrealistic) proposal by the NBA itself. That's basically it. The Maloofs disengaged from the new arena process three years ago. It's not impossible in Sacramento. It's not.
14. Markets can't be burned and returned. I think Charlotte's lack of gate success proves to us that leaving a market and replacing it with a new team a few years later isn't going to work. The idea that the Kings could leave, Johnson could get a new facility built and the NBA could swoop back into Sacramento? That's not going to work. When the NBA leaves Sacramento, it will have burned the market for decades. Charlotte proves that.
15. Sacramento fans have not been given a fair shake. Sure, attendance has been bad the last few years. But the Kings have had a bottom-3 record for three seasons running, are in their fifth season without the playoffs, have lacked a marketable star, and Sacramento has suffered the worst unemployment and foreclosure rates in the nation. The team is going to leave because a population of diehard Kings fans can't afford to attend games right now? Again, it's short-sighted. It's selling low.
16. When the Kings dropped prices, fans flocked back. Despite minimal on-court improvement, Sacramento's attendance has risen the past two seasons. Why? Because the Maloofs realized their tickets were vastly overpriced and started offering seats more in line with demand. Things got so bad because the franchise hadn't realized it couldn't charge top-10 ticket prices for a bottom-3 team.
17. A move doesn't help spread the game. David Stern has made myriad efforts to spread the game beyond the major American cities -- into the breadbasket of America, across the world. Moving a team from Sacramento to the L.A. area is the exact opposite of that. Southern California is already on board with basketball. Moving another team there does nothing to help spread the NBA far and wide.
18. Small and mid-markets will suffer from another large-market bully. Franchise owners in small and mid-markets should fear another L.A. team. The Maloofs are not cheap like Donald Sterling, despite what the Kings' payroll has looked like lately. They will spend and spend and spend, just like Jerry Buss and James Dolan and Mark Cuban. That will drive up player salaries and making the cost of winning that much higher. You want a teammate in the fight for revenue sharing? Don't let the Kings move to Anaheim.
19. The P.R. damage will be wonderful and vicious. Seattle lashed out against the Sonics' move in Seattle fashion: with incredible intelligence and, frankly, class. There were rallies, a great documentary and lawsuits. In Sacramento, full of grandstanding politicians, the birthplace of the Deftones? There will be anger. Anger at the Maloofs, anger at Stern, anger at the NBA brand. Jerseys will be burned left and right, and the virus of hatred will be spread to Oakland, where Warriors-Kings game will turn into the American equivalent of Greek soccer matches. Trust me. Sacramento will not go down with class and dignity.
The owners, again, meet April 14-15. The Maloofs will ask for advice, and some assurance that their relocation application would be met with approval. For the reasons stated above, I ask that the owners tell them to GTFO.
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As a Sonics fan I feel for you
These are all good reasons for the team to stay in Sacramento, but as a Sonics fan I know the league (David Stern) doesn’t care. There are a million reasons the Sonics should have stayed in Seattle instead of going to the desolate dust bowl, but it didn’t matter. I really hope that something gets done so you can keep your team, but I don’t think it’s going to happen.
by gu03alum on Mar 3, 2011 11:52 AM EST reply actions
+1
I was also a sonics fan and feel for King’s fans. Neither logic nor loyalty will sway Stern. I can also attest that the NBA burned bridges in Seattle.
by Dizzo on Mar 3, 2011 1:09 PM EST up reply actions
One Difference Between Seattle and Sac
You make a good point, except
-we are on the verge of perhaps having a new arena deal here in Sac. You never had that in Seattle. And that may be the one pertinent difference between the two situations. Clearly, without a new arena the Kings are gone. But with an arena deal in place they may just decide to stay at the last minute.by Darren King on Mar 3, 2011 1:09 PM EST up reply actions
That's a bit of an exaggeration Darren
These guys are just working on a feasibility study right now. There isn’t even a tangible arena plan on the table currently.
I'd rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints...
by otis29 on Mar 3, 2011 1:25 PM EST up reply actions
Sonics
The thing with the sonics had nothing to do with getting a new arena it had to do with Clay Bennett he had no inintions of keeping the team in Seatte. We were not given 10+ years to get a new arena. I am from Seattle and a die hard king fan and I fill for the king fans and hope u guys can save ur team.
by Jordynn25 on Mar 3, 2011 2:56 PM EST up reply actions
Yes....
….but Seattle also voted against getting a new arena. There’s a lot of misnomers in that statement. There were plenty of mis-steps on both sides in Seattle/Schultz/Bennett and overlooking that is silly. Bennett “tried” to get a new arena in Renton but never put anything into it. Anyone who lives in the Seattle area knew how silly it would be to put a new arena there. It makes little sense. There’s a reason Key is in Seattle Center; It’s a drawing place for all considered. it’s one reason why you always see awful traffic on Saturday on I-5 before an UW game. (I live in Seattle in case you’re wondering Jordy. But I’m from Sacramento and a Kings fan.)
At any rate, Seattle DID have nearly a decade to get something done. Schultz bought the team in 2001 and by 2002 was asking for a new arena. 7 years AFTER the cheap remodel of Key was done. That’s more than Sacramento has ever done for the Kings (which consists solely of the 70 million loan that still has the bulk of the balance due on it).
On top of that, the need for a new arena has been argued by the Maloof’s for over a decade and while the Kings were good, like the Sonics, they sold out and made money for the ownership group. That’s how it really works.
Having said that, Seattle lost the Sonics because of Bennett, Schultz, Greg Nickels and his silly decision to settle (because of fearing he would lose and get nothing), the Washington state legislature (headed by Frank Chopp), the fans in Seattle who voted against public expenditures in 2006, and the fact that Key, Safeco & Qwest were all built/remodeled within a 4 year span using public money.
Quite honestly, the 2 situations are very very different. Should the Sonics still be in Seattle? Absolutely. You won’t hear a single argument from me on that. Would I love to see a Kings game—and a random game here or there against bottom feeders with Presti as the GM—you bet your ass I would as long as there was a cheap ticket to get in the door. There’s a lot of things I miss about the Sonics and their history. Calabro, Payton’s greatness that evolved over the years (and probably many fans outside of Seattle didn’t realize it), why Shawn Kemp was so beloved in the first place before he destroyed his career and the Sonics with his ego and expectations of ridiculous amount of money, and the fanbase that so often and so diligently supported the Sonics over the years. Key got loud and they meant it. Many great battles the Sonics had with the Jazz, Rockets, Blazers and other teams. And Bennett crapped on all of it.
What people don’t realize is that the Seahawks and Mariners had a much better decade in Seattle than the Sonics had, and ultimately it led to the selling of the team to Bennett, and then the move to OKC. (The NBA trying to make a political point by keeping the Hornets in Nawlinz was a bad bad mistake as well. Unfortunately. Although in truth, I do feel for Hornets fans who don’t want the team to leave Nawlinz as well.) A lot of people with a lot of wrong and unfortunately the only real losers were the fans (everywhere really).
My hope is that Sacramento understands this and acts accordingly.
EvilCowtownInc: Screwin Suckaz over since 1985...... On Twitter
No mistakes in the tango, Donna. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
If Omri has 12 games with 85+ TS% (20+ mins only) on the season, I will send RikSmits a slice of Cherry Pie with real Californian cheese pasteurized locally in Washington state.
by pookeyguru on Mar 3, 2011 3:19 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
your post needs more pictures
"Cousins is the Blaster to Evans’ Master, the Hammer to Evans’ Sickle"- HP
by tomroadrunner on Mar 3, 2011 11:05 PM EST up reply actions
Seattle was bought by an owner from OKL who was determined to move there
That was the biggest factor.
"But screw your courage to the stiking place - and we'll not fail"
Macbeth Act I, Sc VII
by lietothegirls on Mar 3, 2011 1:30 PM EST up reply actions
Send the Maloofs a Message
I have read a lot about the various arena proposals. In each case, the only money offered up by the Maloofs was a promise to pay rent for the building usage, and they always put it in terms of current dollars, not discounting the value of money down the road. They did offer up $20 million up front on one deal, but they wanted ALL the revenues from concessions, parking, and such. They wanted control of all the venues too, not just the Kings.
In the current economy, there isn’t going to be an arena built in this area unless the Maloofs agree to foot some of the bill upfront. They are moving, Mayor Johnson already as much as said so. The only reason they are not announcing it yet is because they are afraid that the fans will stay away in droves the rest of the season. So, make it so! Don’t support the Anaheim Royals. Boycott the Kings games until/unless the Maloofs withdraw their threat and drop their right to delay the move request.
by Sigfried on Mar 6, 2011 8:10 PM EST up reply actions
No 10 is interesting
Look how the Clippers are the Lakers’ bitch because they play in the same arena. And both are NBA teams. It was mentioned during the Kings-Clips game how the Clippers just came off a record length road trip, and would be going back on the road again soon because they are at the whim of the Lakers’ schedule. That’d be the same thing with the Ducks, who are in the lesser league.
"What the fuck did I do?" - McNulty
by vfettke on Mar 3, 2011 12:31 PM EST reply actions
Good points, but...
Usually when NHL and NBA share an arena, it’s almost always the NHL team having scheduling priority, only because their season starts three weeks before the NBA’s. Also, the Kings hockey team are the landlords of Staples Center (their parent company also owns Staples Center), but the Lakers get a lot of the prime dates for TV reasons. It’s certainly true that the Clippers are third in scheduling priority, and they’ve never done themselves any favors sharing an arena with the Lakers.
Never mind the fact the Lakers are more popular (and for how much longer, who knows, due to the fickle nature of L.A. sports fans), but I never liked the fact that the Clippers share an arena with the Lakers. Sterling won’t move down to Anaheim because he doesn’t want to make the drive from the L.A. Westside all the way down to Orange County, but more importantly he pays a sweetheart lease being at Staples (just about $1 million annually, plus they keep all revenue generated during their home games). We can’t say the Clippers would generate the same revenue being at Honda Center…it’s all about location; the Los Angeles address versus the Anaheim address.
But to point #7, I have to somewhat disagree with that…when the Clippers played some of their home games at what was then the Arrowhead Pond between 1994 to 1999, they regularly sold out or came close. Their average attendance per game at Anaheim was nearly twice that of what it was at the L.A. Sports Arena. As a Clipper fan, them drawing about 9,000 a night (in a 16,000-seat arena) at the LASA was considered a good night, all things considering. However, just like in Los Angeles County, Orange County itself has plenty of attractions too…Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, Medieval Times, beaches, shopping, etc. If Anaheim does get a team, they’ll be there for the curiosity factor for a few years, but if they don’t show signs of winning, they’ll look elsewhere for sports/entertainment options.
by Shawn H on Mar 3, 2011 1:29 PM EST up reply actions
Isn’t most of this move predicated on the financial troubles the Maloofs are having because of the downturn in the economy? Why not get a deal done in Sacramento, get someone with credentials similar to Daryl Morey or Sam Presti to build a contender and, by the time a new arena is ready, the economy should have improved along with the team and everything will be okay.
Granted, there’s a bit of “if” involved, but Tyreke Evans and DeMarcus Cousins are pretty solid building blocks. Be smart and be patient and the fans will be there.
Don't stop believin'.
by OnDeck_Matt on Mar 3, 2011 12:53 PM EST reply actions
Ahem
Like, say, Geoff Petrie?
Never forget, I'm an idiot.
Follow me on Twitter
Author of Inside-Out Game
by Exhibit G on Mar 3, 2011 1:20 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Don't make a point and expect someone to respond.
Nevermind that Petrie was the guy who took Evans and Cousins.
EvilCowtownInc: Screwin Suckaz over since 1985...... On Twitter
No mistakes in the tango, Donna. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
If Omri has 12 games with 85+ TS% (20+ mins only) on the season, I will send RikSmits a slice of Cherry Pie with real Californian cheese pasteurized locally in Washington state.
by pookeyguru on Mar 3, 2011 3:21 PM EST up reply actions
It seems that it's almost entirely about the extra T.V. revenue, not necessarily the attendance/arena issues in Sac.
The Maloofs are completely disinterested in the current arena efforts, even though it’s by far the best effort ever attempted. This is about upgrading their market (in terms of sheer size), plain and simple.
"If you're going to lead the orchestra, you have to turn your back on the audience." -Geoff Petrie
by AnotherStupidSN on Mar 3, 2011 2:01 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Yes.
EvilCowtownInc: Screwin Suckaz over since 1985...... On Twitter
No mistakes in the tango, Donna. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
If Omri has 12 games with 85+ TS% (20+ mins only) on the season, I will send RikSmits a slice of Cherry Pie with real Californian cheese pasteurized locally in Washington state.
by pookeyguru on Mar 3, 2011 3:21 PM EST up reply actions
Which is a bit ridiculous
considering we’re still talking about LA, here. I don’t care if they like to differentiate themselves by saying they’re OC or Anaheim. I lived there for over 10 years and the market is dominated by Lakers fans, plain and simple. I don’t think I talked to more than a dozen honest to goodness Clippers fans the entire time, so they’re not really going to be expanding their market much, if at all…
...Watching DeMarcus Cousins’ transformation from large human to immortal kill beast...
by Sacto_J on Mar 4, 2011 5:20 PM EST up reply actions
A warriors fan who has previousl lived in orange county who agrees with this post 100%
by Only In Fairfax on Mar 3, 2011 1:03 PM EST reply actions
Great Article
It would be wonderful if this article finds it’s way into the hands of the Maloof brothers. Go kings.
by Loyalty2Royalty on Mar 3, 2011 1:05 PM EST reply actions
I hope that our fan brothers in Sac can keep their team.
by Only In Fairfax on Mar 3, 2011 1:09 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
This is bad for the NBA in so many ways.
by Only In Fairfax on Mar 3, 2011 1:09 PM EST reply actions
So well put!
The (not so) long-term consequences could be really bad for Sacramento.
by ZenBaller on Mar 3, 2011 1:15 PM EST reply actions
Great points TZ
I'd rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints...
by otis29 on Mar 3, 2011 1:26 PM EST reply actions
The Maloofs need to see this article.
Great work.
USC Trojan, always representing the cardinal and gold.
by Arctaedus on Mar 3, 2011 1:41 PM EST reply actions
Yes, great work TZ
I am really restless about this situation. I stayed up last night working on a draft letter to the Maloofs expressing my personal history as a Kings fan. They need to know that the Kings have deep roots with the Sacramento region-way before they took ownership. I feel for them regarding their bottom line. I’m sure it is a stark contrast for them to look up from their courtside seats to see so many blue empty seats as opposed to the glory seasons.. They have to know that they will never be able to reap the passion and loyalty from the Sacramento fans from any other fan base. This has to be factored into their equation.
Anyone know where the Board of Governors are meeting? I would love to help send loud and proud voices to their meeting place to demonstrate our passion and loyalty.
by dAb1 on Mar 3, 2011 3:10 PM EST up reply actions
Item 16
I am glad to see prices come down to match the product that is on the floor. However, it is evident to me that the discount prices mean little to their bottom line. The fans will come back in droves if the team shows promise and chemistry. We aren’t expecting them to contend right now, but we are expecting progress which they have failed to deliver. The Kings have been tough to watch the past four years, but I turn them on every game because of my passion and loyalty. I’ve personally spent the second most amount this year on things Sacramento Kings than any other season. Call me stupid, but I love my Kings.
by dAb1 on Mar 3, 2011 3:18 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
100% Correct on all counts.
#herewestay
Scot Pollard for President
by ThePrince on Mar 3, 2011 1:52 PM EST reply actions
To add and further this case
The whole LA region is a huge issue. Los Angeles, the City of Angels, and the entire region come with serious problems that would devastate this franchise should it move.
The NBA in that oversized area is dominated by the Lakers. The Kings will always be a second, and right now third option following the Clippers, in that area. The Maloofs are not third rate people. And moving to So. Cal. would make them that. They didn’t buy the Kings to be second or third best. They bought this team to contend and be a dominant force in the NBA. You don’t get that in Anaheim.
Anaheim? Really? Does anybody remember the Anaheim Rams? Boy that was bad. So bad they ended up moving out of town. What about the Anaheim Angels? Anaheim sucks for sports teams so bad that they now call the Anaheim Angels the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
But the real issue that Anaheim sucks for sports teams is particularly bad, horrendous in fact, for the Kings. If the Kings move to Anaheim they won’t have a fanbase. LA fans do NOT like the Kings at all and still feel the rivalry. It isn’t like moving a team into a new market. This would be moving a team despised into the market that despises them. Not only would it be a huge effort to develop a market, but I can’t see the Maloofs being able to get LA NBA fans past their negativity towards the Kings is huge.
I didn't major in Common F-cking Sense, but ...
by MustangMBS on Mar 3, 2011 1:56 PM EST reply actions
I can’t see the Maloofs being able to get LA NBA fans past their negativity towards the Kings. Which is huge.
I didn't major in Common F-cking Sense, but ...
by MustangMBS on Mar 3, 2011 1:58 PM EST up reply actions
You clearly have no idea what you are talking about . . .
Orange County has excellent fans. The Rams are a complicated story that you should know more about before you open your mouth and the Angels changed their name to appeal to a wider market . . . not because they were struggling in Anaheim (3 million fans through the gates in Anaheim for 8 years in a row).
http://www.facebook.com/losangelesrams
CALIFORNIA ANGELS . . . ANAHEIM DUCKS . . . CALIFORNIA GOLDEN BEARS
by AndyHogan14 on Mar 3, 2011 2:12 PM EST up reply actions
No disrespect the fans in Anaheim. There are just some realities here.
Sure the Rams situation was complicated, but it shows a history that doesn’t bode well for the Kings.
And you can’t deny, and you even confirm, that the name “Anaheim” doesn’t evoke all kinds of warm fuzzy images of passionate sports fans. Even you state “Orange County” and the fact that teams go out of their way to exclude Anaheim from their name is telling.
I am not dissing fans of any kind by point out that this is a huge issue and, furthermore, there is a real history in the NBA between LA and the Kings.
The Kings may not have contended for a while, but fans don’t forget. Shaq call the Kings the Sacramento Queens and the whole region seems to have held onto a contempt for this team. You don’t get past that.
I didn't major in Common F-cking Sense, but ...
by MustangMBS on Mar 3, 2011 2:20 PM EST up reply actions
Argh
My ability to type and proof read suck today
I didn't major in Common F-cking Sense, but ...
by MustangMBS on Mar 3, 2011 2:29 PM EST up reply actions
While there is history between LA and the Kings
There is no history between the Kings and Orange County . . . there are many people in OC that dislike LA and wish to be as separate from that city/county as humanely possible. I was at the Pond and they announced a Lakers victory on the out-of-town scoreboard and there were boos. Does OC/Anaheim/Honda Center deserve an NBA team? You bet. Would attendance be good? Yes. Do I want to steal a team from a loyal fan base? No I do not. I experienced that when the Rams abandoned SoCal in 1995 . . . I don’t want to put anyone else through that.
CALIFORNIA ANGELS . . . ANAHEIM DUCKS . . . CALIFORNIA GOLDEN BEARS
by AndyHogan14 on Mar 3, 2011 2:29 PM EST up reply actions
Thanks Andy
I am sure the OC would be great fans of an NBA team. Sorry that I came across as dissing OC. Not my intent at all.
I didn't major in Common F-cking Sense, but ...
by MustangMBS on Mar 3, 2011 3:52 PM EST up reply actions
Really? Seems like there are quite a few OC people in the Clippers fanbase, but OC still seems to be overwhelmingly full of Laker fans.
by Michael White on Mar 3, 2011 3:55 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, I was quite surprised myself.
CALIFORNIA ANGELS . . . ANAHEIM DUCKS . . . CALIFORNIA GOLDEN BEARS
by AndyHogan14 on Mar 3, 2011 3:59 PM EST up reply actions
Despite not being contenders the rivalry is still there on both sides
by HouseOfTorture on Mar 4, 2011 6:39 PM EST up reply actions
FYI, Henry Samueli doesn’t own the Honda Center, the city of Anaheim does. However, his company does manage it.
by Brieninsac on Mar 3, 2011 1:59 PM EST reply actions
LA fans are spoiled
The attendance to Kings games would be alot worse than it is in Sacramento right now I would think.
by jshake on Mar 3, 2011 2:06 PM EST reply actions
Not necessarily,
the corporate base in OC usually allows there to be at least 10-12,000 season ticket holders . . . add a few thousand for those that buy single game tickets and you have 14-15,000. Not great, but it would be okay. With a team that looks like it is at least trying to win, they will sell out.
CALIFORNIA ANGELS . . . ANAHEIM DUCKS . . . CALIFORNIA GOLDEN BEARS
by AndyHogan14 on Mar 3, 2011 2:10 PM EST up reply actions
I really hope the Kings dont move here
2 teams is more than enough for the greater LA area. Its only a 45 minute drive to Staples Center for OC basketball fans. Thats nothing really and if they want cheap basketball, the clippers are always available.
Also, it would take some time to earn fan support in an area that is Laker dominated, especially given the teams hard-nosed battles in the early 2000s. If they have to move, it would be best to go to somewhere like Kansas City. They have a brand new arena ready to go and will win over fans right away a la OKC.
"What doesn't kill you might injure you, or just kill you later." -Czheck Proverb
"Pluto’s not even a planet no more, which I’m very disturbed about. I grew up when Pluto was a planet. Now, I’m 25, I turn around and Pluto’s no longer a planet. I’m going to elbow that guy in the nose." -Ron Artest
twitter
by shaqfor3 on Mar 3, 2011 2:12 PM EST reply actions
Try 2 and a half hours.
Got to love LA traffic.
CALIFORNIA ANGELS . . . ANAHEIM DUCKS . . . CALIFORNIA GOLDEN BEARS
by AndyHogan14 on Mar 3, 2011 2:13 PM EST up reply actions
They'll never go back to KC.
I can guarantee you that. I think Seattle is in play if they can get a new arena together.
EvilCowtownInc: Screwin Suckaz over since 1985...... On Twitter
No mistakes in the tango, Donna. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
If Omri has 12 games with 85+ TS% (20+ mins only) on the season, I will send RikSmits a slice of Cherry Pie with real Californian cheese pasteurized locally in Washington state.
by pookeyguru on Mar 3, 2011 3:22 PM EST up reply actions
Definitely
I don’t think they want to go outside of California or Las Vegas . . . Seattle, maybe, but that may be to far away for them.
CALIFORNIA ANGELS . . . ANAHEIM DUCKS . . . CALIFORNIA GOLDEN BEARS
by AndyHogan14 on Mar 3, 2011 3:24 PM EST up reply actions
I think it's smart to not tie your business interests in one market...
…and I think relocation to Anaheim does that in a way. They have business interests in both Anaheim and Vegas, and I’m not sure that’s a savvy business move. The Maloof’s will say “oh yes of course we can do it” but that’s their optimism as salesman, not a realistic businesslike assessment of how opportunity in a marketplace works.
EvilCowtownInc: Screwin Suckaz over since 1985...... On Twitter
No mistakes in the tango, Donna. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
If Omri has 12 games with 85+ TS% (20+ mins only) on the season, I will send RikSmits a slice of Cherry Pie with real Californian cheese pasteurized locally in Washington state.
by pookeyguru on Mar 3, 2011 3:30 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Good point.
"If you're going to lead the orchestra, you have to turn your back on the audience." -Geoff Petrie
by AnotherStupidSN on Mar 3, 2011 7:23 PM EST up reply actions
agreed
if they could get a private developer to finance one.
"What doesn't kill you might injure you, or just kill you later." -Czheck Proverb
"Pluto’s not even a planet no more, which I’m very disturbed about. I grew up when Pluto was a planet. Now, I’m 25, I turn around and Pluto’s no longer a planet. I’m going to elbow that guy in the nose." -Ron Artest
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by shaqfor3 on Mar 3, 2011 4:13 PM EST up reply actions
I don't know.
There are people in Seattle Center who are already grumbling about the lack of people coming through there after the Sonics left. That might pressure people to revisit a few things and agree to a new arena up here.
EvilCowtownInc: Screwin Suckaz over since 1985...... On Twitter
No mistakes in the tango, Donna. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
If Omri has 12 games with 85+ TS% (20+ mins only) on the season, I will send RikSmits a slice of Cherry Pie with real Californian cheese pasteurized locally in Washington state.
by pookeyguru on Mar 3, 2011 5:55 PM EST up reply actions
Brilliance sir.
Well done. Hat’s off and kudo’s to you. I hope this gets spread nationwide so many people read it. Especially some of the ESPN writers who blame a lot of Kings fans for many of the ridiculous mis-steps that the Maloof’s (and John Thomas especially) made in the several seasons before this one.
I don’t think people realize how many shades of gray there are in this situation and why the situation is probably not as dire as some (like the Maloof’s who are talking to Anaheim—although that could be considered a positive if Sacramento votes in a measure to pass a tax to get a new arena built) really like to make it out to be.
I don’t believe the Kings will be in Sacramento without a new arena in 2012. I don’t care if the Maloof’s decide to stay or not. That’s a 100% guarantee. Whether it’s Anaheim or Seattle or wherever, they are gone. They can’t stay a couple more seasons in Arco and stay competitive. It isn’t even possible anymore.
What I do know is once Sacramento fans realize that, I think many will come out of the tree’s (especially if young people want a new arena and/or any kind of public transit out to Natomas that’s worthwhile) and get itself on board with a new arena.
Sigh. I hope the Maloof’s listen to reason, and Sacramento voters in turn listen to businesses and everyone involved.
Again, brilliant Tom. Fucking A brilliant sir.
EvilCowtownInc: Screwin Suckaz over since 1985...... On Twitter
No mistakes in the tango, Donna. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
If Omri has 12 games with 85+ TS% (20+ mins only) on the season, I will send RikSmits a slice of Cherry Pie with real Californian cheese pasteurized locally in Washington state.
by pookeyguru on Mar 3, 2011 3:06 PM EST reply actions
Great Points but.....
David Stern works for the Majority owners of the league. He is an arogant elitist who is controlled by the owners…. and is paid very well to allow this to happen. He will do as the Majority Owners please.
The Kings belong to Sacramento and the Maloofs should be viewed as care takers of the franchise while they own the majority of the team….. We seem to also forget that over 40% of the team is owned by local minority owners who want to stay in Sac despite the supposed burden of such a thing without a new arena…. Last time I checked they were looking at the same financial results for the franchise as Joe and Gavin….. Yet there has been no call to move from them.
This is a plan by the Maloofs which has been years in the working and we have finally come to the point where they feel they can put the plan in place….. Like I have said before…. Wrong Majority Owners at the Wrong Time for the Sacramento Kings…. And it is devastating.
by KingsFanNoMatterWhat on Mar 3, 2011 3:18 PM EST reply actions
This isn't geared towards Stern
Tom says in the intro:
This is a plea to the other owners and the NBA as a whole to look at the facts and reject a move.
Never forget, I'm an idiot.
Follow me on Twitter
Author of Inside-Out Game
by Exhibit G on Mar 3, 2011 4:49 PM EST up reply actions
This.
EvilCowtownInc: Screwin Suckaz over since 1985...... On Twitter
No mistakes in the tango, Donna. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
If Omri has 12 games with 85+ TS% (20+ mins only) on the season, I will send RikSmits a slice of Cherry Pie with real Californian cheese pasteurized locally in Washington state.
by pookeyguru on Mar 3, 2011 5:55 PM EST up reply actions
Great read TZ
"And Solskjaer has won it!"
by 'tough as nails' spence on Mar 3, 2011 4:23 PM EST reply actions
Henry Samueli does not own the Honda Center
the city of anaheim does. Henry Samueli owns the company that operates it
by oaktownking on Mar 3, 2011 4:30 PM EST reply actions
Three LA Area NBA Teams
Great. Now three teams will have 4 ’Road Games" such that they do not have to leave town to play.
The NBA should schedule their road games against each other after they have been on the road at least for one game like to OKC, NY so that they feel like they were really on the road.
by SpeedBob on Mar 3, 2011 4:47 PM EST reply actions
I wish I could “rec” posts on the SBN main page. Because this one is certainly deserving. As a former Sac resident, I would be hugely disappointed if the NBA left, despite not being a Kings fan.
Listen to Coach "B", kids. Use both hands!
by Tim C. on Mar 3, 2011 5:05 PM EST reply actions
Sacramento Kings
Kings are creating excitement again in the NBA, not since the 2002 run. Tax payers money is not meant to support an NBA franchise, in my opinion, or to pay for a new million dollar arena. Can Mayor Kevin Johnson keep the Kings in Sacramento? Remains to be seen. Stay tuned.
by Lounge_Waiter_1989 on Mar 3, 2011 6:49 PM EST reply actions
There are a lot of us in the L.A. basin that would go to games in Anaheim.
Most people East and South of Los Angeles would rather drive to Anaheim for a game, plus the Lakers’ ticket prices are ridiculous. If the Kings move, it wouldn’t be hard to attract the Minnesota Timberwolves to Sactown. I’ve been to the Honda Center. It’s a nice arena. Lakers and Clippers have played there several times. It’s a nice arena – I like it. I’m not sure I could stomach much of DMC and his antics, though.
"a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma."
by BaylorWest on Mar 3, 2011 7:20 PM EST reply actions
Cool, let us know if you decide whether or not the convenience of having a team a few minutes closer is worth having to put up with Cousins.
There are plenty of other towns that would be happy to steal our team and stomp on our hearts, so don’t take too long figuring it out.
"If you're going to lead the orchestra, you have to turn your back on the audience." -Geoff Petrie
by AnotherStupidSN on Mar 3, 2011 7:31 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
I admit...
…I don’t have a horse in this race (I’m from Philly). It just seems kinda screwed up to move a team away from their very devoted fanbase into a pretty saturated market. I admit, there is a certain prestige to being in the LA metro area compared to Sacramento, but that seems like a stupid reason to do something, and the Maloofs are not stupid people.
I’d be fascinated to see what their financial projections look like for the move to Anaheim, and what assumptions they used to make them.
by dweebowitz on Mar 3, 2011 7:30 PM EST reply actions
From the Cleveland SB Nation site — Trust me, we in Cleveland can empathize with a loyal fan base being shafted in the way you will be shafted in Sacramento if you lose your Kings.
I wrote a short column on the site (as Richard Bauer, not as AncientMariner), expressing my feelings on the matter and also making Cleveland fans aware of the situation. After losing the Browns to Baltimore, we can truly feel for you if you lose your team to Anahiem.
by AncientMariner on Mar 3, 2011 8:27 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Excellent writeup TZ
To fans of other small market teams, support from outside of Sac would be amazing. Tell your owners to vote against the Kings moving for the 19 reasons above. Small market teams need to support each other and try and prevent another Seattle situation.
"If the whole world moved to their favorite vacation spots then the whole world would live in Hawaii and Italy and Cleveland."
STAY IN SAC
by Christina_J on Mar 3, 2011 11:24 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
+100
by The Art Of War on Mar 4, 2011 12:24 PM EST reply actions
jeez how many teams do we need in LA.
by tho0505 on Mar 4, 2011 6:48 PM EST reply actions
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