Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver might be taking his ball and going somewhere else. The real estate developer reportedly told the Phoenix City Council that he would move the NBA team to either Las Vegas or Seattle if he doesn’t get funding on renovations to the team’s arena.
Sarver wants the city to pony up $150 million, while he would pay $80 million, to fix up one of the league’s oldest facilities. Sarver has a net worth of around $400 million.
The deal would keep the Suns in Phoenix until 2037 or face a $200 million fine. The team currently is in the 26th year of a 40-year lease, but there is a provision that allows Sarver to relocate the team if renovations aren’t done by 2022.
Wednesday there was a scheduled vote planned by the city council on the funding plan, but was delayed until Jan. 23. Community forums are planned to see what the public thinks of the expenditure.
Council Leaning Towards No
A majority of the City Council apparently isn’t a big fan of the proposal, which is why the vote was postponed. Three of the seven council members were very vocal about their opposition, and Councilman Michael Nowakowski reportedly would have voted no. He was the swing vote that would have shot down the plan.
“While I have always supported efforts to strengthen and maintain our economy, I must hold true to the value I place on making sure people are informed and heard,†Nowakowski said in a statement.
With Sarver’s lobbying failed, city council members told the Arizona Republic newspaper that he was threatening to take the team somewhere else.
Suns CEO Jason Rowley denied the team was going to move in a statement released Wednesday.
“Our priority remains being in downtown Phoenix long-term, and we’re excited about the opportunity that lies ahead,†Rowley said.
City manager City Manger Ed Zuercher confirmed that Suns officials have mentioned the possibility of leaving, but wasn’t overly concerned.
“I don’t consider it a threat,†Zuercher said. “They’ve talked about what their options are. Robert (Sarver) has never has threatened me. He’s mentioned that there are other cities that are looking for NBA teams.â€
Trifecta of Losers
The Suns are part of three professional sports franchises in the city that would have to try just to achieve mediocrity. They are the worst team in the NBA, with a 4-24 record, despite getting Deandre Ayton with the No. 1 pick in the draft. Last year they again were the worst team and finished with the second-worst record in franchise history at 21–61.
The Arizona Cardinals are tied with Oakland and San Francisco, for the worst record this year in the NFL at 3-10. The team has not made the playoffs since 2015 and holds the record for the longest championship drought in sports at 70 years.
The Coyotes are also one of the lower teams in the NHL, and haven’t made the playoffs since 2012. The team was taken over by the league in 2009 when owner Jerry Moynes declared bankruptcy. The Coyotes were rumored to be on the move as well, but so far have managed to stay in the Phoenix area.