Hurdle Still Ahead In Sonics To OKC

The Sonics to Oklahoma City deal is not a slam dunk. The News On 6's Ashli Sims reports there is a legal hurdle that could put a damper on Oklahoma's NBA hoops dreams.

Many breathed a sigh of relief at the settlement reached on Thursday, but the Sonics former owner is still crying foul. He's filed a lawsuit that could stand in the way of the team packing up and leaving Seattle.

The ink is barely dry on the deal bringing the Sonics to Oklahoma City and fans are already trying to fill the Ford Center. On the phone and online, more than 11,000 fans have asked about becoming season ticket holders. A lawsuit filed by the franchise's former owner could revoke Oklahoma City's all-access pass to the Sonics.

"The Schultz lawsuit is such a far-fetched legal remedy," said Sonics lead attorney Brad Keller.

Howard Schultz has filed a lawsuit against Clay Bennett and his ownership group PBC to undo the sale of the Sonics to the Oklahoma oilman. Schultz claims PBC fraudulently misrepresented their intentions to keep the team in Seattle.

"We're pretty confident in our ability to beat that case back and we will be mounting many, many challenges to it as it tries to proceed down the path toward a trial," said Keller.

The legal maneuvering isn't stopping Oklahoma City from playing offense. Their chamber is proceeding as if the team and the jobs that will come with it are on the way. It's added a special page to its website to handle Sonics-related job inquiries.

The city's mayor is turning his attention to the new team's new home.

"One of the first things we need to do is adjust our timeline for the arena improvements. There are some things we can do to be ready for this fall," said Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett.

Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor calls the NBA team great news for our state. She says she wants to continue to work with Clay Bennett to showcase the team in this part of the state, too.

The team's first preseason game is October 8th on the road.