New San Diego NLL Team Sparks Talk Of Arena, But Franchise Exec Says Otherwise

The arrival of a new NLL franchise in San Diego sparked speculation yesterday that the team "might build a new downtown sports arena," and a spokesperson for Mayor Kevin Faulconer confirmed that a new venue is "being considered," according to Roger Showley of the SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE. Faulconer "welcomed the team, due to start playing" in the fall of '18. NLL on Tuesday "awarded its 10th franchise" to Alibaba Exec Vice Chair Joe Tsai. However, team President Steve Govett said that he is "focusing on building the new team" and not a new venue. Govett: "We have not bought land, we’re not buying an NBA team and we’re not building an arena." Govett said that even if Tsai could afford to build an arena, it "doesn’t mean he would." Govett: “It certainly sounds like a lot of people are getting way ahead of themselves" (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 8/31).