November 9, 2007
So, as you’ve read on this blog, and probably heard/read on many other blogs/television shows/radio programs, etc. The Seattle SuperSonics will probably not be in Seattle that much longer (read as: They will be gone as soon as humanly possible). So, how does the city of Seattle cope with the loss of their beloved cherished liked barely tolerable Sonics? They’re getting an MLS Franchise! From ESPN,
“I can confirm that commissioner Don Garber is going to travel to Seattle for an announcement Tuesday of the expansion of Major League Soccer for the future into the Seattle market,” Dan Courtemanche said, MLS senior vice president for marketing and communications, said Friday while on the telephone from league headquarters in New York.
The team will initially play their games at Qwest Field (home of the Seahawks), although the ESPN article hinted that the team might move, or maybe get their own stadium in the future? (after looking at the Sonics situation…good look with that). In case you are wondering, the MLS season goes from April to November. And the season length, coupled with Qwest Field’s lack of a roof should mesh very well with Seattle’s awesome weather.
So, to recap, Seattle is giving up a decades old basketball team, with a storied history and they’re getting a team in a league that may or may not be defunct in 5 years. Something is in the Starbucks in Seattle, I think.
…anyone know if Kevin Durant can play soccer?
ESPN: Seattle to get an MLS expansion franchise in 2009 or later
Sports Business Digest: The 2007 Sonics = 2008 Oklahoma City Cowboys
One comment
I never like to see long-time franchises leave town. It is really unfortunate that those in power in Seattle are ok with letting the Sonics walk. As for the MLS coming to latte-land, here outside Philly there are those angling for an MLS franchise as well. I don’t really get what all the advantages are of having a men’s pro soccer team in your town. Maybe I’m missing something here, but I’m more surprised the MLS is still in existence and the women’s soccer league failed awhile back…should have been vice-versa if you ask me. I can see women’s pro soccer having a better shot at turning a profit and capturing the public’s fancy than men’s soccer…which is such a dead issue in this country…Beckham was the nail in the coffin.
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