So, for now, crisis diverted. But it's telling of what has been going on with the only "Big 4" sports franchise in Sacramento, and could eventually serve as an emblematic moment should the team be forced into relocation.
The on-and-off struggle to keep the Kings in Sacramento has lasted a few years now, but the newest news I've seen has the Maloof brothers, team owners since 1999, meeting with Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell and city officials about the proposed $350-million arena in Virginia Beach, VA.
"We have been approached by several cities over several years about moving the Kings, and we will not comment other than that," said George Maloof Jr.
Then on February 27, 2012 the Kings' owners, the city, and the NBA came to a tentative deal on the construction of a 387 million dollar facility in the rail yards in downtown Sacramento.
The city would pay up-front more than 250 million dollars, raised by leasing city-owned parking lots to a private company. The Maloofs would contribute 75 million up-front as well as the money from the sale of the current Sleep Train Arena. In addition they would pay a five per cent surcharge on ticket sales to generate another 75 million through the span of the deal. Arena operator AEG was to contribute another 60 million up-front for the right to operate the arena. With this agreement, it was expected that the Kings would play in the new arena as early as 2015. The deal was approved by city council May 7, 2012.
But the 75 million the Maloofs were to contribute became an issue for the brothers, wanting to avoid further debt, and they have since attempted to pull the plug on the deal.
While it's still up in the air, and the Maloofs say they have no plans for relocation, they have met with officials in other cities with NBA-ready arenas, and maintain their stance that unless what is now called Sleep Train Arena (formerly ARCO) can be updated significantly, or a new arena is built, they may have no choice.
The NCAA hasn't played in the arena since 2009, citing unfit playing conditions, and any update would be a small temporary fix for an arena that's been out of date since shortly after it was built.
The people of Sacramento have done everything in their power to keep the team in town (#HereWeStay), and the big hole downtown at the Sacramento rail-yards, called the “largest urban infill project in the entire country” is the ideal location, but this isn't 1985 when the team first came to town without burdening taxpayers at all.
Taxpayers have stepped up and committed their fair share, now if the Maloofs want to keep the team in Sacramento, it's on them to step up and reap the reward of some of the loudest, most passionate and dedicated fans in the Association. A new arena would help the city immensely, bringing in other stadium shows, surrounding businesses and creating jobs.
Having learned from the situation in Seattle that relocation CAN happen, supporters of the Kings franchise have backed the team early and often, but it may not be enough.
Expect to hear more news about Sacramento ownership and possible relocation in the near future, but until then watch the documentary Small Market, Big Heart for all of the background on the team and its struggle to stay.
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