Seattle may be about to get an NBA basketball team again -- and this time, its citizens might not have to pick up part of the tab. Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and hedge fund manager Chris Hansen are reportedly teaming up to move the hapless Sacramento Kings to Washington state.
Fewer spectators are shelling out to see basketball games live this season. The average NBA ticket price fell 2.5% this year after declining 2.8% last season, according to sports business publisher Team Marketing Report.
Google has announced a list of content partners for its much-anticipated new entertainment offering. Among them are HBO, CNBC and the National Basketball Association. Notably missing are big TV networks -- or any mention of price.
In addition to the potential to make any team a contender, the fervent courting of basketball superstar LeBron James also has a less emotional, more pragmatic reason: He's sure to bring his new home city plenty of cold, hard cash.