Bennett, Sonics Granted Exclusivity To Oklahoma City

NBA Grants Sonics, Bennett Exclusivity To Oklahoma City Market

The Sonics have the "exclusive rights to the Oklahoma City market" after no other team applied for relocation to the city before a December 17 deadline, according to Percy Allen of the SEATTLE TIMES. The Sonics filed for relocation on November 2, and NBA VP/Basketball Communications Tim Frank said, "Any other team that has interest in moving to Oklahoma City would have had to apply within 45 days of the Sonics' application. So, therefore, we're only reviewing the application submitted by [Owner] Clay Bennett and the Sonics." Allen noted the league's seven-owner relocation committee is expected to make a recommendation on the situation during an April BOG meeting. There recently has been "rampant speculation that [Hornets Owner George] Shinn would try to force a move back to Oklahoma City immediately following the Feb. 17 All-Star Game" in New Orleans.  However, Frank said, "That's not going to happen. The rules are very clear. That market belongs to Bennett and the Sonics, for now." Allen noted the NBA would need Bennett to "resolve his legal situation" with the city of Seattle before the '08-09 schedule is finalized, which typically occurs in August, for a move to take effect next season (SEATTLE TIMES, 1/5).

PLAYING FAVORITES: Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett said that he would rather see the Sonics relocate to the Ford Center instead of the Hornets "because of Bennett and his Oklahoma-based co-owners." Cornett: "We've enjoyed having the Hornets here. But from a big-picture perspective and as mayor of the city, I'd rather have local owners than out-of-town owners" (DAILY OKLAHOMAN, 1/6).