Second bidder steps up for Seattle expansion team, wants to build new arena outside city
NBC Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- Two groups are bidding for an NBA expansion team in Seattle: One Roof Sports and Entertainment, led by Samantha Holloway, and BlackSun Private Equity, which is collaborating with the Tulalip Tribes to build an arena and entertainment district in Marysville, Washington.
- The Marysville arena plan involves building on tribal-owned land about 35 miles from Seattle, posing challenges related to commute and attracting fans from Seattle proper.
- Both ownership groups emphasize their commitment to keeping the team in the Seattle area, following the relocation of the SuperSonics to Oklahoma City in 2008.
- The NBA is advancing bids for both Seattle and Las Vegas expansion teams, with a decision hoped for by the end of the year; the Las Vegas bids are being prioritized and expected to be larger.
- The NBA is seeking bids of at least $7 billion per team, with higher amounts preferred for Las Vegas, and the expansion process could be delayed if these financial expectations are not met.
