MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Howard Schultz says owning Sonics was a ‘nightmare’

Nov 1, 2013, 6:33 PM | Updated: 6:47 pm

Howard Schultz introduced Clay Bennett as the new owner of the Seattle Supersonics on July 18, 2006...

Howard Schultz introduced Clay Bennett as the new owner of the Seattle Supersonics on July 18, 2006 (AP)

(AP)

Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz says owning an NBA was a dream that turned out to “be a nightmare.”

Schultz spoke for one of the rare times about buying and selling the Seattle Supersonics in an interview with Canadian talk show host George Stroumboulopoulos.

Schultz was vague about the controversial sale to Clay Bennett and a group of investors that ultimately led to the team’s move to Oklahoma City.

“I tried to sell it to a local person in Seattle. Nobody wanted to buy it.”

Schultz said after buying the Sonics, he quickly came to realize the culture clashed with his own values. And he said despite his love of sports, he would never want to own a professional team again.

MyNorthwest News

boeing q1 loss...

Frank Sumrall

Boeing posts $355 million loss in Q1 after series of company crises

"We are in a tough moment," Boeing CEO David Calhoun said as the company announced a $355 million loss in 2024's Q1.

2 hours ago

Photo: Lund Hill solar farm in Klickitat County, Washington, the state’s largest photovoltaic pla...

Julia Dallas

Washington receives over $150M to implement solar, lower energy costs

On Monday, The EPA announced Washington has been selected to get $156M to develop long-lasting solar programs for low-income communities.

14 hours ago

Image: Buddy Booth is seen as a young adult. Episodes of Season 2 of The Letter from KSL Podcasts a...

Amy Donaldson - executive producer, KSL Podcasts

The Letter Season 2: Sense of dread precedes second 1982 Millcreek Canyon murder

The second episode of the second season of The Letter, "Ripple Effect," details the second man killed in a 1982 double murder.

15 hours ago

Photo: West Seattle High School students held a pro-Palestinian protest....

James Lynch

Western Washington students walk out against Israel-Hamas war

Around 100 West Seattle High School students joined other groups across the nation in protesting against the Israel-Hamas war.

18 hours ago

Boeing production floor...

Heather Bosch

Boeing engineers allege retaliation over safety concerns

Two Boeing engineers have alleged retaliation by the company’s management after they insisted on a re-evaluation of work on the 787 and 777.

18 hours ago

Paxton...

JAMIE STENGLE, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Seattle Children’s Hospital won’t turn over gender-affirming care records in lawsuit

The Texas Attorney General is dropping a request for Seattle Children's Hospital to hand over records regarding gender-affirming treatment.

19 hours ago

Howard Schultz says owning Sonics was a ‘nightmare’