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By Kevin Johnson
Mayor of Sacramento
It’s a great feeling, being back in the NBA playoffs. Especially this week.
This time around, our playoffs are different. Sacramento isn’t playing a conventional opponent in a best-of-seven series. We aren’t squaring off against the Lakers – or any other team. It’s bigger than that.
We are squaring off against everybody who thinks Sacramento can’t support an NBA team, who thinks all we have are cowbells, loud fans and an old barn for an arena.
And we are squaring off against ourselves, trying to overcome our image as a city that’s short on corporate support, lacking Fortune 500 headquarters, unable to command big TV market dollars.
These playoffs are winner-take-all. We can’t depend on the catch phrase, “Wait until next season.”
If we come up short, there may be no next season. That’s why it’s so important that we continue to focus on the factors we can control, and not waste time worrying about decisions beyond our reach.
This Thursday and Friday, NBA representatives will be in Sacramento to check on the potential corporate support for another season with the Kings, and political support for a new entertainment and sports complex. Remember, this is a business.
The impression the league receives is totally in our control.
On Wednesday, I will meet with regional elected leaders, updating them on our progress and gathering their input on our next steps. Regional support is critical as we move forward.
A good, solid show of corporate support – we’ve already identified $7 million in sponsorships and suite sales that weren’t apparent two weeks ago – will make a huge impression on the NBA.
The acknowledgement from regional leaders that we must explore options on a public-private partnership for a new events center will also keep Sacramento in the game.
The league doesn’t have to ask about our fan support. The NBA knows all about it. Last week in New York, we reminded the Board of Governors that no city has fans more loyal than Sacramento.
We had facts to back up our No. 1 status: 19 sellout seasons in 26 years, better than any team; a major-league, top 20 media market without competition.
We had a big day in New York, convincing the association owners that Sacramento deserved serious consideration to remain an NBA city. We fought hard to keep the Kings, but also made a strong case for getting another team if the Kings relocate. We introduced a business partner who’s ready to make it happen: Ron Burkle.
In my 12 years as an NBA player, I participated in 105 playoff games, including the Finals. I learned each round gets tougher.
Last week, Sacramento did well in Round 1. But the work’s far from over. If our fans, corporate, community and political leaders work together, we will have what every team dreams about: control of our own destiny.
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