Football - SuperSonics Propose Leaving Seattle

Sports is a business. A lot of times we consider it entertainment, especially when events like the Super Bowl and Olympic ceremonies are so open to broad audiences. But when I hear stories like how Sonics owner Howard Schultz considers moving the Sonics out of Seattle, I'm brought back to Earth.

Here's what happened: Qwest Field and Safeco Field have made money over the years for more than just having good teams. Both stadiums have tax support from venues like hotels and restaurants, something the Sonics haven't done until recently. However the Sonics haven't gotten that support and it's shown.

The team lost roughly $16 million last year and wants $200 million to either refurbish KeyArena or get a new stadium altogether. If not Sonics management has threatened to move the team somewhere else. Some would call it extortion, but for Schultz it's just business. A bill has been proposed to the House to extend taxes that would help keep the Sonics in Seattle. Both the Sonics and Storm have a lease to the city until 2010, and who knows what shape the stadium will be in when that year hits.

While the Sonics are clearly the biggest attraction for KeyArena, it is host to other events like concerts, ice shows and AFL games. According to a study founded by The Seattle Times, "KeyArena could eventually turn a profit without the Sonics by hosting more concerts, ice shows and sports events." So both parties would possibly be better off financially if Seattle and the Sonics broke up. That's not the best news in the world for long-time Sonics fans.

It's amazing how long the life of a stadium is now. Regardless of how historical or loved it is it's doomed to fail without sufficient luxury suites. Yankee Stadium has survived for 82 years thanks to its atmosphere and history. But even that will go as of 2009 because of a lack of box seats. Seattle already paid $75 million in 1995 to renovate KeyArena, but that was back when Kemp and Payton were making the Sonics a Finals contender. With the team doubtful to make the playoffs, Seattle might not be so inclined to help out the team this time around.

Despite all those details I believe the Sonics will probably stay in Seattle. Howard Schultz owns Starbucks for crying out loud and they are in Gates country. Schultz probably had half the money he's looking for in his pocket the day he said the team was considering a move. The money will come from somewhere, although we don't know if it'll come out of his pockets or ours.