NBA Kings’ Anaheim Relocation Delayed at Least a Year

National Basketball Association (NBA) franchise the Sacramento Kings will stay in the city for one more year, giving Mayor Kevin Johnson a final opportunity to fulfil his pledge to deliver a new arena for the team, according to the team’s co-owner Joe Maloof

A long-considered relocation of the team to Anaheim in California had looked likely after several failed efforts to build a new venue in Sacramento, and a number of new names linked to Anaheim were reportedly registered by the franchise owners.

However, Maloof told the Associated Press yesterday, May 2, that the team would give Mayor Johnson more time to finalise plans for an arena, stating: “The Mayor of Sacramento has told the NBA relocation committee that he will have a plan for a new arena within a year. If not, the team will be relocated to another city.”

The Kings were given a deadline of Monday to inform the NBA of any intention to move ahead of next season and Johnson has generated US$10m in sponsorship pledges from the corporate community in a bid to retain the team. A feasibility study for a new arena in Sacramento is scheduled to be completed later this month.

Maloof added: “We spent 13 years and millions of dollars to try to get an arena built. We don’t have the answer. The Mayor has the answers and we’re willing and able to listen. He’s got to have a plan. We never want to be untruthful to the fans of Sacramento. There is a sense of urgency, and that’s up to Mayor Johnson and his political team.”

Maloof said he appreciated the support and encouragement from Anaheim officials, with the city’s council having already issued the bonds needed to encourage the Kings to move, and said: “I am sure that Anaheim will have a team some day.”

However, he stated: “I think it’s the fair thing to do. We’ve always said we think Sacramento has the best NBA fans in the world. Their overwhelming show of support was incredible. But now they realise that we’re giving them another opportunity and we’re anxious to play basketball.”