Sonics fans seek help in Olympia

OLYMPIA — A statement of intentions may be the best that state lawmakers will give a group of local investors looking to keep the Sonics in Washington.

Speaking to Sonics fans on Saturday, Rep. Roger Goodman, D-Kirkland, said the House is preparing a draft to commit "multimillions of dollars" in funding for local projects such as renovating KeyArena and housing. But, he said, the plan for the financial package won't be discussed until the next legislative session. The current session ends Thursday.

"We would be stating our intentions to come up with a package next time around," Goodman said. "There would be no state money involved, just local taxes that currently exist."

Goodman's comments soured the group at the state Capitol as part of a rally to show support for keeping the Sonics in Seattle.

More than 250 fans draped in Sonics gear gathered on the steps of the Capitol to pressure elected officials to pass a measure allowing King County to temporarily extend car-rental and restaurant taxes being used to fund Safeco Field. They want the money to raise $75 million toward a $300 million KeyArena renovation.

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and wireless magnate John Stanton are among the investors who said they would contribute $150 million. The city of Seattle would account for the final $75 million.

The group also would have to persuade Sonics owner Clay Bennett to sell, which he repeatedly has said he won't do. Bennett made similar comments about the Seattle Storm, but he did ultimately sell the WNBA franchise for $10 million in January.

Another option for local investors would be to purchase one of the struggling teams in the NBA — in Memphis or New Orleans — for example, and retain the "Sonics" name and history.

Eric Breding came with his wife and two children to the Capitol to show support at the rally.

"That's beautiful," said Breding, 35, of Olympia, as he looked across the Senate gallery packed with Sonics fans. "It's scary because I always thought they'd be here. Seattle is green and gold to me."

While lawmakers were impressed with the turnout, most were pessimistic about funding or even a tax extension being passed.

"They [fans] are being heard," said Rep. Jim McIntire, D-Seattle, who was active in trying to solve the arena situation when Howard Schultz owned the Sonics. "But there are a lot of other priorities and calls on these dollars. We need to be careful how we step into this. We also need to recognize that we are trying to tighten our budget right now. To be cutting the budget and building something for a professional sports team sends the wrong message."

Organizers of Save Our Sonics fear next year will be too late, which is why they rallied Saturday. The group also wanted to put faces to the numerous letters and calls made to officials.

"Many politicians are worried about what's going to happen to them in the election if they pass something like this," said Steve Pyeatt, co-founder of Save our Sonics. "But these aren't Democrats or Republicans. These are Sonics fans. ... If this isn't resolved, they'll remember in November."

Bennett purchased the Sonics and Storm for $350 million in 2006. After failing to generate support for a $500 million facility in Renton, he filed in November to relocate to his native Oklahoma City.

The NBA Board of Governors will vote on his proposal April 17-18. Oklahoma City passed a sales tax Tuesday to raise $120 million to modernize the Ford Center, the city's basketball arena, and build a practice facility.

Sonics fans who gathered in Olympia believe that if legislators grant the $75 million, it would raise some doubt with other NBA owners about Bennett's need to relocate.

Utah Jazz owner Larry Miller told sports radio KJR (950 AM) that a proposal could "change things." In an interview with The Seattle Times in January, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said he'd vote against a relocation because Seattle is a better market, unless he is convinced otherwise.

Jayda Evans: 206-464-2067 or jevans@seattletimes.com