NBA hopes revive in Seattle as new arena plan approved

SEATTLE, Washington - Agence France-Presse

Seattle’s basketball fans have been rooting for the new arena plan in hope to bring NBA back to the city. The Seattle SuperSonics moved to the Oklahoma City in 2008. AP photo

Seattle city council members voted 6-2 on Sept. 24 to approve a deal with developer Chris Hansen for a $490 million arena that could house professional basketball and ice hockey teams.

The vote was a crucial step for the city’s hopes to attract a relocated or new NBA franchise. Seattle has not been home to an NBA club since the SuperSonics moved to Oklahoma City and became the Thunder in 2008.

NBA commissioner David Stern approved the move after plans for a new arena to replace Key Arena were scuttled five years ago. Seattle has never been home to a National Hockey League franchise.

“Today’s vote closes one phase of tasks and begins another, including work on how we plan for a bright future at Seattle Center,” council president Sally Clark said.

The deal redirects some tax revenues generated by the arena to make $40 million in highway improvements.