Hansen Still Committed to Bringing NBA Back to Seattle

One day after it was announced that billionaire Steve Ballmer has signed an agreement to buy the Los Angeles Clippers, the investor trying to bring a team back to Seattle has released a statement vowing to continue his effort. Ballmer was part of the investment group trying to lure an NBA team to Seattle. Many people speculated that with Ballmer's decision to buy the Clippers,  Seattle's effort to lure a team would be hurt. Today Chris Hansen said he remains committed to getting the NBA back to Seattle even though he lost his biggest investor.

Hanson released a statement Friday congratulating the former Microsoft CEO on his agreement to purchase the Clippers for $2 billion. 

Hansen says his remaining partners — two members of the Nordstrom department store family are the other known partners — are still committed.

Here is Hansen's complete statement released on his sonicsarena.com website.

"First I would like to congratulate Steve Ballmer on his apparent successful bid for the Los Angeles Clippers. Steve's passion for basketball and commitment to the NBA will make him a great owner and strong asset for the league.

I would also like to assure Seattle fans that my remaining partners and I remain committed to bringing the NBA back to Seattle. The environmental review process for the Seattle Arena is nearing completion and we will soon be in a strong position to attract a franchise back to the Emerald City."