Bennett: Hopes Fading That The Sonics Will Stay In Seattle

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Oklahoma City businessman Clay Bennett says he's losing hope of finding a way to keep the Seattle SuperSonics in Seattle. And he says he believes if the team leaves that Oklahoma

Wednesday, May 30th 2007, 12:08 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Oklahoma City businessman Clay Bennett says he's losing hope of finding a way to keep the Seattle SuperSonics in Seattle. And he says he believes if the team leaves that Oklahoma City is the likely new home but adds the decision will be made with ``due diligence.''

Bennett leads the group that owns the Sonics and says he's already had preliminary discussions with Oklahoma City and Kansas City officials about relocation.

Bennett says he hasn't completely lost hope of keeping the team in Seattle but is as pessimistic as he's ever been.

He says his intent now is to play in Seattle and apply to move the team immediately after an October 31st deadline for a plan to build a new arena in the Seattle area.

The Washington state Legislature failed to vote on a plan for the state to pay $300 million toward a new $500 million arena.