Gregoire sees no hope of keeping Sonics — but maybe their name

OLYMPIA — Gov. Christine Gregoire said Friday she sees no hope of keeping the Sonics in Seattle, but is encouraged about the city's chances of landing another NBA team — and maybe holding onto the Sonics name.

Gregoire said she spoke this week with Sonics owner Clay Bennett, who is seeking to move the team to Oklahoma City. Voters there Tuesday overwhelmingly approved $120 million in taxes for an arena upgrade and new NBA practice facility.

"He made it very clear to me — and not in a nasty way at all — in his words, unequivocally, 'Not for sale,'" Gregoire said, later adding, "At some point, we have to accept that."

The governor's comments came as pressure is once again building on her and state lawmakers to pass legislation aimed at keeping the Sonics here.

A high-powered group of local investors — including Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and wireless magnate John Stanton — are offering to buy the team and cover half the cost of a $300 million KeyArena expansion. The group also includes Costco CEO Jim Sinegal and Seattle developer Matt Griffin.

Under their proposal, the state and the city would each pick up $75 million of the renovation costs.

Seattle leaders support the plan. But as with similar efforts in recent years, legislative leaders are balking.

Sonics supporters are planning a rally at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Capitol. On Friday, Gregoire and House Speaker Frank Chopp, D-Seattle received a flood of calls urging them to approve the new proposal.

Gregoire said the big names behind the effort, and their willingness to commit so much money, "has dramatically changed the temperature in the Legislature."

But, she said, "If there's no opportunity for them to buy a team at this point, there's no point for the Legislature to do anything this session."

Staff reporter Andrew Garber contributed to this report. Ralph Thomas: 360-943-9882 or rthomas@seattletimes.com