Trial Focuses On Sonics' Value To Region, Seattle Rests Its Case
 |
Economists Offer Differing Testimony
Of Sonics' Impact On Seattle Region |
Thursday's arguments in the Sonics-Seattle trial over the team's KeyArena lease all were "directed at the question of an NBA franchise's value to a region and its citizens," and Seattle attorneys rested their case after arguing that the club provides the city with "intangible benefits that can't be measured or replaced," according to Greg Johns of the SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER. Seattle attorneys argued that U.S. District Judge Marsha Pechman "will need to enforce the 'specific performance' aspect of the lease requiring the team to play its games at KeyArena until the agreement expires" in 2010. Economist Lou Hatamiya testified that the Sonics create a "ripple effect that added up to an average annual impact of $187[M] over the past five years" in the city. The city rested their case after presenting its final witness, author Sheman Alexie, who "put his spin on the team's fate with such flair that even [Sonics Owner] Clay Bennett appreciated his basketball passion and poetic presentation" (SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER, 6/20). In Seattle, Jim Moore notes Alexie "turned into an entertaining quote machine," providing a needed break from a trial that "drones on at times." He spoke for fans "who will mourn the loss of the team if it moves," and also spoke "passionately about the Sonics and his appreciation of pro athletes." Alexie: "The great thing about basketball, they're barely wearing any clothes." Alexie added of the importance of having a diverse sport in Seattle, "In a city where black people are not necessarily celebrated, in professional basketball it is" (SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER, 6/20). Also in Seattle, Percy Allen writes Alexie's testimony was "at times humorous, historical, passionate and long-winded" (SEATTLE TIMES, 6/20).
SONIC BOOM: Sonics attorneys began calling witnesses by indicating that the team's "worth can be quantified by a specific amount of money, which they could pay in remaining rent and then be free to head to Oklahoma City." Univ. of Alberta economics professor Brad Humphreys testified that the Sonics' departure would have "no economic impact on the region," as money spent on the team "would instead just transfer to other entertainment options." But Seattle attorney Paul Lawrence negated much of Humphreys' testimony by having him acknowledge that his study "used an area covering King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties, while only the city of Seattle is suing the Sonics." A study by MZ Sports President & CEO Michael Ziets "looking at the financial results of teams in 'lame-duck' situations that were forced to play out leases before moving" was also introduced by the team. Ziets "expects losses of about [$30-32M] next season" for the Sonics if they are forced to remain in Seattle. But under cross-examination, Ziets acknowledged "such studies are 'more art than science.'" The city also noted a separate study by Ziets done for the NBA showing that he believed the team "could actually make a slight profit in their last two years at KeyArena if they did have a new arena on the way in Seattle" (SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER, 6/20). Field Research President & CEO Deborah Jay also discussed her "findings that most people in Seattle won't care if the Sonics leave." Jay testified that a January poll of more than 400 Seattle-area adults found that "58[%] of those surveyed said the team's departure would make 'no difference' to them, and 7[%] said they'd be 'better off'" (SEATTLE TIMES, 6/20). The Sonics will call their final three witnesses today. The trial will go on hiatus until next Thursday's closing arguments. Pechman "won't issue a ruling that day, but will likely announce a time frame for when she'll return with a decision" (SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER, 6/20).
 |
Editorial Cartoonist David Horsey's Offering
Appearing In Today's Seattle Post-Intelligencer |
REAX: In Seattle, Jim Brunner writes the Sonics' argument is a "bizarre role reversal," as pro sports teams "usually want the public to believe ... that they significantly boost the local economy." The Sonics are trying to convince Pechman that the team "makes zero difference to the Seattle economy," and if successful, that could "reduce the amount of damages the team would have to pay to break its KeyArena lease" (SEATTLE TIMES, 6/20). Also in Seattle, Jerry Brewer writes the city closed its case "still polishing its intangible-benefits claim. Community spirit. Civic pride. Goodwill. Worldwide branding." But when Pechman considers her ruling, "will the words of Alexie or any other 'intangible benefits' witness resonate? It's an issue hovering over this entire trial" (SEATTLE TIMES, 6/20).
|
Related Stories By Company
|
Related Stories By Sport
|
KeyArena, Seattle Feeling Sonics' Loss
July 2, 2009 :
SportsBusiness Daily
Clay Bennett Reflects On First Year In OKC
July 2, 2009 :
SportsBusiness Daily
Husky Stadium Funding Unlikely
April 28, 2009 :
SportsBusiness Daily
KeyArena Renovation Bill Pronounced Dead
April 23, 2009 :
SportsBusiness Daily
Investors Sought For Proposed Seattle Arena
January 14, 2009 :
SportsBusiness Daily
|
Ticket Package Offered For Flyers, 76ers
November 20, 2009 :
SportsBusiness Daily
NBPA Says Total Player Compensation Down
November 20, 2009 :
SportsBusiness Daily
Magic Johnson, Cisco Team For Initiative
November 19, 2009 :
SportsBusiness Daily
Nets Finding Unique Ways To Draw Fans
November 19, 2009 :
SportsBusiness Daily
Grizzlies Optimistic Despite AI Departure
November 18, 2009 :
SportsBusiness Daily
|
|
