 |
 |
 |
|
"I think the Ballmer group stepping forward was a game-changer for us," Nickels said.
| Advertisement |
|||
| |||
Stern dismissed that idea, saying there was no viable KeyArena plan available. He also wouldn't speculate on a possible return to Seattle in the future if the league expanded or if another team moved.
Bennett is also facing a class-action lawsuit brought by season-ticket holders who say they were duped into buying tickets under the premise the Sonics wouldn't leave.
And this week former team owner Howard Schultz announced plans to sue to get the team back, saying Bennett did not make a good-faith effort to secure a new arena deal as he promised when he bought the team in 2006.
That idea came from e-mails between Bennett and his ownership partners released recently as part of the city's lawsuit, which appeared to show they planned to move the team to their hometown all along. Stern said owners didn't buy that, saying that none "questioned the good faith of Clay Bennett."
Henry said the Sonics will provide an economic boost to Oklahoma by "elevating our national profile and enhancing the quality of life here."
"When we work to attract and retain high-paying jobs and top industries, the NBA label is one more thing we can point to as we market our state to the rest of world. Make no mistake, this is a big, big win for Oklahoma."
