Argument:    Professional basketball has little or no impact on the local economy.

                        Citizens should not support a new arena only wealthy owners benefit from.

Rebuttal:       The Sonics and Storm produce a total economic impact to the region of over $230 million per annum, $10.8 million in taxes. 

In addition they produce a “New Money” impact to King County of over $100 million per annum and in 2005 the teams generated approximately $3.2 million in State and local taxes.

Key Arena is responsible for $353 million in total business and visitor activity, 3,252 jobs; and $102 million in labor income.

The arena is also responsible for $13.3 million in tax revenues, $6.5 million per annum of which are classified as “New Money” impacts to King County.

Additionally, it has 1.1 million visitors per year, 43% of whom come from outside King County.  These visitors bring a “New Money” impact to King County of $165 million.  The Sonics and Storm hold 45% of all events at Key Arena and generate 65% of the revenue.

Quotes:          “On an economic basis, near zero.”

- Seattle City Council Chair Nick Licata on the damage the city would suffer if the team were moved.

“I have yet to see any detailed financial proposal outlining how the proposed refurbishing of Key Arena will financially benefit the citizens of Seattle.”

                - Seattle City Councilman Richard McIver

“When the government subsidizes stadiums for sports teams, it takes money away from other, more important needs.”

                                    - http://www.citizensformoreimportantthings.com/page2.html      

“It isn’t about being a fan, it’s about how you have a community that has these exciting attractions that bring tourists to spend money, provide jobs in the community and provide economic opportunity.”

            - Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels, Seattle Times, April 18, 2005

“The ripple effect defies our imagination, just think of how many restaurants and taverns were filled all the way up to Alaska.”

- Washington State Senate Ways and Means Chair Margarita Prentice describing the tendency to dismiss financial benefits that teams bring to the region. In this case the recent excitement – and cash flow – generated by the Seahawks Super Bowl appearance.

Seattle Post-Intelligencer, February 8, 2006.

“If the Sonics leave, it will be bad for business.

So many people visit Queen Anne because of the Sonics.”

- Jess Oh, owner, Sam’s Sushi on Queen Anne Avenue North. NW Asian Weekly, August 5, 2006.