This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
NBA’s Sacramento Kings won’t move to Anaheim
The Sacramento Kings play the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Sacramento, Calif., Wednesday, April 13, 2011.
(
AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez
)
Listen
0:55
NBA’s Sacramento Kings won’t move to Anaheim
NBA’s Sacramento Kings won’t move to Anaheim
After months of maneuvering, the NBA’s Sacramento Kings won’t move to Anaheim. The team’s owners announced their decision Monday morning. It's definitely not what Anaheim officials wanted to hear.
The Maloof family, owner of the Sacramento Kings, says it will keep the team at the state capital “out of respect to Kings fans and the regional business community” – at least for the upcoming season.
The Maloofs say that will give them an opportunity to try again for a new arena. If that doesn’t happen, they could apply to try and move the team the following season.
Anaheim had tried to attract the Kings to move south with a $75 million bond deal. In a written statement, Anaheim Mayor Tom Tait says he’s disappointed the team’s not moving to his city.
But he points out that “the final chapter has not been written.” He says the NBA commissioner confirmed that Orange County is a stand-alone market – not just a suburb of L.A.
Tait says Anaheim remains an “NBA-ready city.” He adds that his city is “optimistic” it’ll one day be home to a professional basketball team.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
