Signs point to possible Kings relocation

Professional basketball's Sacramento Kings may be the next franchise in line for a relocation.

The NBA has been trying for ten years to help the Kings find a new arena to play in, but Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson said on KHTK radio Monday that the team is no closer to moving out of Arco Arena and into a new stadium. Johnson added that though he's hopeful the city and the team can work out arrangements for a new arena, the current economy makes it difficult to find financing for any significant building projects.

"Anytime you look at a sports model for building a new entertainment sports complex, public financing is usually part of their model," Johnson told the station. "In California that immediately in some cases triggers a public vote which makes it very difficult to happen in California."

Johnson seemed to be preparing Kings fans for the team's possible relocation out of town, a possibly that became even more distinct last week when the NBA announced it would no longer make an effort to find the Kings a new arena, according to the Sacramento Bee.

The last NBA team to be pushed into relocation was the Seattle SuperSonics, who moved to Oklahoma City despite widespread opposition from the Seattle fanbase. Ironically, some speculate that if the Kings can't find a new arena, they may be moving to Seattle.
 

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