Advisers to help Sonics "explore options"

Sonics President Wally Walker said Wednesday the team has hired advisers to "explore options," including a possible sale of the team.

Walker's written statement — which revealed scant new information about the Sonics' plans — came after the owners' nine-member board held its regular quarterly meeting.

Walker said the NBA franchise also will consider building an arena elsewhere in the region instead of staying at Seattle-owned KeyArena after the team's lease expires in 2010.

The Basketball Club of Seattle, a 58-member investor group led by Starbucks Chairman Howard Schultz, has lost nearly $60 million since buying the Sonics in 2001. Owners, who also own the WNBA's Storm, are seeking a $220 million expansion of KeyArena, but local politicians have refused to approve taxpayer financing.

"The sale of the franchises has never been our preferred option, but given time running short on our current lease, we must contemplate all scenarios. This ownership group has no interest in owning professional basketball franchises outside of the state of Washington," Walker said.

Walker said the team has received "numerous inquiries" about the franchise but provided no details. Team spokeswoman Valerie O'Neil would not identify the advisers hired by the team or name potential buyers.

Sonics officials previously have held discussions with civic leaders in Bellevue about building an arena there. Other cities trying to lure NBA teams include Oklahoma City and Kansas City, Mo.

Despite support from Gov. Christine Gregoire, the Sonics failed this year to get a funding package from the state Legislature, in part because Seattle politicians have not united behind the Sonics. Some City Council members have talked about using KeyArena for concerts and arts groups instead of basketball.

In a March 31 letter to Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels, Gregoire urged city officials to make up their minds soon.

"If the city intends to pursue a future for the arena that does not include the Sonics and Storm, it is time to communicate that to them so they may consider alternatives within Washington before contemplating a long-distance move," Gregoire wrote.

Nickels spokesman Marty McOmber said the mayor wants the Sonics to stay in Seattle.

Jim Brunner: 206-515-5628 or jbrunner@seattletimes.com