Hansen says Seattle NBA hopes will continue

SEATTLE — Investor Chris Hansen says the departure of Steve Ballmer from the group looking to bring the NBA back to Seattle won’t derail his hopes of getting a team back in the region.

Hansen told The Associated Press on Monday that he is confident he’ll be able to find investors to take Ballmer’s place in his group. He said it will likely take more than one person to replace Ballmer’s investment, and he will not put a limit on the number of investors at this time.

Seattle’s hopes seemed to take a blow last week when Ballmer agreed to buy the Los Angeles Clippers for $2 billion. Hansen said that six or nine months from now, he’ll still be trying to get his proposed arena built and acquire a franchise for Seattle.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Kamiak senior Yegor Tarasov (left) jumps to head the ball Lake Stevens senior Shad Schmitt tries to defend him during Kamiak's 2-1 win in Lake Stevens, Washington on April 29, 2025. (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald)
Kamiak boys soccer spoils Lake Stevens senior night

The Knights improve their postseason odds while the Vikings lose their second in a row.

Outfielder Jonny Farmelo, the Mariners' No. 6-rated prospect, joined the Everett AquaSox on Tuesday, April 29. (Photo courtesy of the Seattle Mariners)
Outfielder Jonny Farmelo Assigned To AquaSox

The Mariners’ Top 10 prospect homered in his first game as a Frog.

Monroe junior Julian Perez slips past a Snohomish defender before assisting the opening goal of the Bearcats' 4-1 win at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Snohomish, Washington on April 4, 2025. (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald)
Prep boys soccer roundup for Tuesday, April 29

Julian Perez scores four goals to keep Monroe perfect in league play.

Monroe’s Vivian Knuckey (22) swings during a 3A softball game between Monroe and Auburn Riverside at the regional athletic complex in Lacey, Washington on Friday, May 24, 2024. Monroe fell, 18-4. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Prep softball roundup for Tuesday, April 29

Vivian Knuckey walks off a crucial league win for Monroe.

Prep roundup for Tuesday, April 29

Stanwood girls tennis dominates doubles for a league win.

Shorewood junior Ellie Van Horn winds up to deliver a pitch in the Stormrays' 12-0 win against Shorecrest in Shoreline, Washington on April 28, 2025. (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald)
Shorewood softball shows growth against crosstown rival Shorecrest

The Stormrays gear up for Wesco South gauntlet with a 12-0 win against the Scots.

Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for April 20-26

The Athlete of the Week nominees for April 20-26. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Snohomish’s Morgan Gibson returns the ball in her match against Stanwood’s Ryann Reep on Friday, April 12, 2024 in Snohomish, Washington. Gibson lost the first set 4-6 but rallied back to win 6-2 in the second and 6-0 in the third. The Panthers bested the Spartans 5-2. (Taras McCurdie / The Herald)
Prep girls tennis roundup for Monday, April 28

Snohomish clinches fourth straight league title.

Jackson’s Allie Thomsen (22) celebrates a homerun during a prep softball game between Stanwood and Jackson at Henry M. Jackson High School on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 in Mill Creek, Washington. Jackson won, 6-0. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Prep softball roundup for Monday, April 28

Allie Thomsen homers twice, strikes out nine in Jackson’s shutout win.

Seattle offensive lineman Charles Cross (67) looks on before the Seahawks take the field to face the Arizona Cardinals in an NFL game on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, at Lumen Field in Seattle. (Naji Saker / Tribune News Services)
Seahawks picking up 5th-year option on Charles Cross

The Seahawks have bought themselves a minimum of one more year with… Continue reading

Edmonds-Woodway pitcher William Alseth winds up on the mound against Lynnwood during an April 28, 2025 league game at Edmonds-Woodway H.S. (Courtesy of Jennifer Eklund)
Prep baseball roundup for Monday, April 28

Alseth throws run-rule perfect game for Edmonds-Woodway.

Prep roundup for Monday, April 28

Archbishop Murphy boys soccer overcomes Alex Plumis’ brace.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.