Anaheim Hoping Demographics, Economics Attract NBA Team

Honda Center Looking To Host NBA Team

At the “urging of Honda Center executives, Anaheim officials have identified three city-owned sites for an NBA practice facility” and could spend “about $10[M] on construction, perhaps recouping that investment by including sports-related shops and businesses in the project,” according to Bill Shaikin of the L.A. TIMES. But the city “does not plan to spend additional money to lure an NBA team.” Although the city owns the arena, Anaheim Mayor Curt Pringle said that “responsibility of attracting a team rests with [Ducks Owner Henry] Samueli and his management company.” Anaheim Arena Management Chair Michael Schulman said if an NBA franchise wants “a brand-new arena, we will lose in the competition. But if they’re basing it on economics and demographics, I think ours will be better than any other prospective city that doesn’t have a team now.” Schulman added, “When you get a team that wants to move and can move, we want to be in the game. If it’s for sale, we’ll consider buying it as well.” With the Sonics recently being sold, Schulman said, “We weren’t interested in running a team in Seattle and moving it three or four years later.” Shaikin notes the Lakers and Clippers “could not stop another team from moving to Anaheim” (L.A. TIMES, 11/7).