Lawmakers working for Sonics' incentives

By Kirsten McIntyre, NEWS 9

Oklahoma state lawmakers are working on incentives to bring the Seattle SuperSonics to Oklahoma City.

The Sonics sent a letter of intent Oklahoma City. The letter details what it will take to get the team to Oklahoma. Among the requirements are tax incentives from the state.

Senator Glenn Coffee is among the key players working to bring the Sonics to Oklahoma City. He's currently working on legislation that would provide the Sonics a tax break if they move to Oklahoma.

"We have done it for other industries," Coffee said. "Basically what it says if you're bringing jobs to this state we provide a tax incentive for relocating that business here."

Coffee said the NBA requires players to pay income tax in the state they're playing the game in. So for each game played, that's more money for the state.

The lease proposal also spells out what the city must do to win over the team:

• 15 year lease of Ford Center
• Pay $40,000 per game
• Share food & beverage concessions
• Ticket money to Sonics

"We think this is a very solid deal for the city of Oklahoma City," said Oklahoma City Manager Jim Couch. "This creates an opportunity for us to say, especially here in Oklahoma City, even a state we're a major league state."

It could be several weeks before state lawmakers get a chance to vote on the legislation. However, the city council will begin considering the Sonics letter of intent at tomorrow's city council meeting."

SuperSonics page: http://www.news9.com/Global/category.asp?C=118358&nav=menu681_5_5

Letter of Intent