Chris Hansen: I remain committed to bringing the NBA back to Seattle

Investor Chris Hansen says he remains committed to bringing the NBA back to Seattle despite Steve Ballmer’s $2 billion deal to purchase the Los Angeles Clippers.

Hansen and Ballmer had partnered with other investors in a failed bid to buy the Sacramento Kings and move them to a new arena in Sodo.

But in a statement Friday on his website, Hansen underscored his continued desire to bring a team to his hometown:

“First I would like to congratulate Steve Ballmer on his apparent successful bid for the Los Angeles Clippers. Steve’s passion for basketball and commitment to the NBA will make him a great owner and strong asset for the league.

I would also like to assure Seattle fans that my remaining partners and I remain committed to bringing the NBA back to Seattle. The environmental review process for the Seattle Arena is nearing completion and we will soon be in a strong position to attract a franchise back to the Emerald City.”​

NBA owners voted down a deal Hansen and Ballmer had reached with the previous owners of the Kings to sell the team for a valued $625 million, at the time the highest price that would be paid for an NBA franchise. Ballmer’s $2 billion deal not only blows that figure away, it is the second highest amount paid for any pro sports franchise in North America, surpassed only by the $2.1 billion paid for the Los Angeles Dodgers.