It would seem that Virginia Beach’s chances to land an NBA team just might return to slim at best as Seattle has moved one giant step closer to getting back a franchise after undeservingly losing the SuperSonics four years ago.
A team is the only thing left to secure after the Seattle City Council hammered out a deal with investor Chris Hansen to build a $490 million arena, strengthening taxpayer protections and diverting some revenue toward traffic problems to help tie it neatly together.
With Hansen contributing $290 million and the public chipping in $200 million in financing, things can get underway as soon as an NBA team commits to being there. The NHL could join the party, too.
If there’s anything to be learned by D.C. United in its pursuit of a stadium with the District, it’s that opening deep pockets and using a low-key style can only help. It’s doing both.
But the government must also be a willing partner ready to recognize when there is a time for talk and a time for action.
– Craig Stouffer
