Seahawks QB Russell Wilson has joined hedge-fund manager Chris Hansen in his "bid to have an arena built in the Sodo District" of Seattle, according to Geoff Baker of the SEATTLE TIMES. A statement by Hansen called Wilson his "business partner." It added, "We couldn’t be more thrilled that Russell is joining our partnership and continued efforts to bring the NBA and NHL back to Seattle." Baker notes the addition of Wilson, "arguably the city’s most popular sports figure" alongside Mariners P Felix Hernandez, should "provide a public-relations boost for Hansen as he heads into direct competition with two California-based groups looking to remodel KeyArena for NBA and NHL purposes." AEG and Oak View Group have said that they "plan to offer renovation bids after the proposals go out in January." Wilson previously had "offered public support for Hansen’s project." Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said, "He loves the community and he’s interested in being a part of something that is really special here and we are all aware of how dear it is to the hearts of the people around here." It is not known "how big a financial partner Wilson would be in a group" that includes Nordstrom co-Presidents Peter and Erik Nordstrom and former Sonics President Wally Walker. However, Wilson’s presence could "prove more valuable than his wallet" (SEATTLE TIMES, 11/15). YAHOO SPORTS' Frank Schwab wrote Wilson is "already one of the most popular Seahawks ever." Schwab: "If he can also bring the Sonics back to Seattle? They might replace the Space Needle with a 600-foot Wilson statue." The investment is an "interesting step for Wilson, who is just in his fifth NFL season but appears to be already putting plans in place for his post-NFL days" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 11/14).
