Stern Discusses Commitment To Kings Arena In Sac Bee Op/Ed

Stern Writes Op/Ed For Sacramento Bee On Proposed Kings Arena At Cal Expo Site

NBA Commissioner David Stern, in an Op/Ed in the Sacramento Bee, writes, “I am often asked why the NBA remains committed to an arena project in Sacramento when previous attempts to turn into reality plans for a new state-of-the-art arena have failed. The answer is twofold: First, Sacramento has been an extraordinary market for the NBA; fans have attended games in record numbers, sponsors have supported the team well and television viewership has been robust." Second, "elected officials at every level have made clear that they join in the desire of the broader community to explore imaginative, collaborative solutions to assure the continuity of the Kings in Sacramento; a desire shared by [Kings Owners] the Maloof family." Stern adds, "Our collective goal is to construct a state-of-the-art entertainment and exposition destination within a mixed-use development." Stern: "On Wednesday, the Cal Expo Board of Directors will meet to vote on a letter of understanding that lays out a critical path to be followed for the next several months that all sides hope will make this project a reality. ... Is it a certainty? Not at all. But we are optimistic, and I look forward to working with Cal Expo, elected officials at every level and all interested parties to bring this project to fruition, thereby ensuring a bright future for Cal Expo and the Kings in Sacramento. Approval of the letter of understanding by the Cal Expo Board is the first step" (SACRAMENTO BEE, 5/20).