Seattle Trial Underway To Determine Sonics Fate

SEATTLE (AP) — The trial in the city of Seattle’s lawsuit seeking to keep the NBA SuperSonics from moving to Oklahoma City began Monday. The six-day, no-jury trial in federal court will settle the final two years of the SuperSonics’ lease at Key Arena.

Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels is scheduled to testify Monday. Sonics owner Clay Bennett may also take the stand if there’s enough time.

Outside the courthouse, members of the “Save our Sonics” group are expected to lead a fan rally. Gary Payton and other former players are also expected to be outside the courtroom in the afternoon.

The six-day, no-jury trial in federal court will settle the final two years of the SuperSonics’ lease at Key Arena.

Bennett has gained the NBA’s approval to move the team to Oklahoma City, but Seattle argues its lease forces the franchise to play two more seasons before departing.