For the second time in two years, the owners of the Sacramento Kings have put the kibosh on publicly-financed plans to get the team a new arena. This time however, it’s Virginia Beach and not Sacramento that was led along for months with nothing to show for the efforts.
From a joint statement released by Virginia Beach Mayor Will Sessoms and Comcast-Spectacor President Peter Luuko:
“Both parties remain committed to the concept of an arena in Virginia Beach and to continuing discussions with a potential anchor tenant. That said, we have not reached a level of progress that will allow the city to go before the General Assembly to request the necessary funding.”
If the Maloof family does intend to move the team by next season, they’ll have to file relocation paperwork with the league by March 1. Two other cities, Seattle and Anaheim, are both vying for a NBA franchise, with the Kings being seen to many as a possible target.
Kings spokesperson Eric Rose did little in a prepared statement to confirm or deny whether the team would still be in Sacramento in 2014.
”As we have said for nearly a year, we have been contacted by several cities and parties interested in the Sacramento Kings organization,” says Rose. “The announcement today from Virginia Beach does not change our long-held position that we will not comment on rumors or speculation about the franchise.”
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