As reported by Laurie Roberts , Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver is threatening city officials with relocating the ballclub to Seattle or Las Vegas.
The threat came after Phoenix Mayor Thelda Williams and councilwomen Laura Pastor and Debra Star asked to postpone a Wednesday vote on a $150 million contribution to renovating Talking Stick Arena because the vote wouldn’t have passed if held that day.
Jason Rowley, the Suns President and CEO issued the following statement via ArizonaSports.com reiterating the franchise’s desire to remain in Phoenix:
We have learned that a request has been made to continue the agenda item on the arena renovation until a council meeting on Jan. 23. We very much look forward to publicly discussing the many ways in which Talking Stick Resort Arena benefits Downtown Phoenix and our community at large, and answering any questions the Council and their constituents may have about the arena and the proposed renovation. Our priority remains being in Downtown Phoenix long-term, and we’re excited about the opportunity that lies ahead.”
Steven Hsieh of the Phoenix New Timesreported that the Suns would contribute $80 million of the cost proposed $230 million renovation and would even cover any cost that exceeded the total amount. Despite this a recent survey found that two-thirds of Phoenix voters are do not support using public funds on arena renovations.
