KING-TV’s Chris Daniels has reported the Seattle Storm are nearing an agreement with the City of Seattle to extend its lease at Key Arena through the year 2028.
The Storm’s future at Key Arena has been much in the air ever since debate began amongst city leaders on whether or not to renovate the Key or build a new arena in Seattle’s SoDo district, aimed at luring NBA and NHL franchises to the Emerald City.
Interestingly enough, the agreement also includes a “significant penalty” if the Storm were to play in another arena as Key Arena is being renovated—a strong likelihood at this point given the city’s interest in preserving Key Arena–the host site for this year’s WNBA All-Star Game.
The ordinance states that the Storm could have to relocate for up to three seasons while Key Arena is being retrofitted.
MyNorthwest.com reported Seattle mayor Ed Murray is likely to recommend a $560 million proposal by Tim Leiweke and his Oak View Group to renovate the venue. It is competing against a bid by Seattle Partners and Anschutz Entertainment Group.
SEA Arena Update re: City staff still gathering details, *not* leaning towards AEG or OVG on Key, still 1 Arena advisory comm meeting to go.
— Chris Daniels (@ChrisDaniels5) May 22, 2017
And on SoDo – not dead – vacation decision still *scheduled* – but clear City leaders focusing on #KeyArena right now. #Seattle
— Chris Daniels (@ChrisDaniels5) May 22, 2017
By: Akiem Bailum (@AkiemBailum on Twitter, Instagram)
