Kurt has already explained why the Hawks – even when sold – are not leaving Atlanta.
The reasons include:
- Attendance and TV ratings are up this year.
- Turner Broadcasting, an NBA partner, is headquartered in Atlanta.
- Buying out the arena lease would be expensive.
But just in case you need official confirmation…
Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
NBA spokesman Mike Bass to the AJC: “The Atlanta Hawks are not moving to another market.” #ATLHawks
— Chris Vivlamore (@CVivlamoreAJC) January 7, 2015
Mayor Kasim Reed through spokesman: "When he initially met with the NBA commissioner over selling the team, the commissioner assured ...
— Chris Vivlamore (@CVivlamoreAJC) January 7, 2015
... that one of the requirements of the sale would be that the team would stay in Atlanta. ...
— Chris Vivlamore (@CVivlamoreAJC) January 7, 2015
... “He’s confident that will happen.”
— Chris Vivlamore (@CVivlamoreAJC) January 7, 2015
That is a strong and direct statement with no room for contingencies. The NBA wouldn’t make that public unless absolutely certain the Hawks were remaining in Atlanta. Therefore, the Hawks are absolutely remaining in Atlanta.
Seattle will have to steal a team from another city.
The Hawks also confirmed all shares of the team and the arena’s operating rights are for sale, which was reported through anonymous sources last week.