Magic, Kings, Sonics All Hoping For Fruitful Arena Talks

Forum Of Discussion: Magic Reportedly Modeling Plans After Grizzlies’ Arena

Magic execs and city of Orlando officials in September are slated to “lay out plans for a new arena more than twice the size of [TD Waterhouse Centre] — and ask for tax dollars to accompany a ‘significant’ contribution from the team,” according to Schlueb & Damron of the ORLANDO SENTINEL. The Magic are “quietly talking up the benefits for Orlando of modeling an arena after” the Grizzlies’ FedExForum. But with an estimated cost of $350-395M, the Magic’s “biggest hurdle likely will be sticker shock,” as team Owner Rich DeVos previously estimated the cost of a new arena at $250M. But Magic COO Alex Martins said that “rising building and labor costs mean the price tag would add at least” $100M if construction starts by ’08. Schlueb & Damron noted the new arena is “one of three projects Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer is pushing,” including a downtown performing-arts center and renovated Citrus Bowl. Together, those venues could top $1B, and Dyer is “seeking the lion’s share from resort taxes levied on hotel rooms” (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 7/8).

KINGS: In Sacramento, Ailene Voisin reports reps from the Kings, the city of Sacramento and Sacramento County, along with NBA officials, are scheduled to meet tomorrow in Las Vegas “in a last-second effort to reach agreement” on financing a new arena and securing a ballot measure for November. The most recent proposal would require voter approval for an increase in Sacramento County’s sales tax. Sacramento Vice Mayor Rob Fong said, “We’re not walking out of that room until we have something we can take to the voters.” NBA Commissioner David Stern, who is unable to attend the meeting, has directed NBA Exec Counsel for Business & Finance Harvey Benjamin and “possibly” President of League & Basketball Operations Joel Litvin to participate. Kings co-Owners Joe and Gavin Maloof “initiated Tuesday’s session and suggested they be held in Las Vegas to ensure the presence” of younger brother George Maloof (SACRAMENTO BEE, 7/10).

SONICS: In Seattle, Angela Galloway reported Mayor Greg Nickels has offered Sonics owners “a deal to settle their demands for KeyArena renovations and a more lucrative lease.” Sonics President & CEO Wally Walker said that the “‘tone’ of talks has improved in recent weeks” and he added that the team “no longer seeks to impose a hard deadline on discussions.” But Galloway noted a “breakthrough is probably not imminent” (SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER, 7/8).