ANAHEIM, CA - (May 2, 2011) - Anaheim Mayor Tom Tait today issued the following statement in response to the Maloof family announcing they will keep the NBA Kings team in Sacramento for 2011-12 season.

"Anaheim remains an NBA-ready city," said Anaheim Mayor Tom Tait.   "We are proud of the work that was done to bring an NBA team to Anaheim's Honda Center.  In particular, we protected the city's taxpayers and the city's finances from any risk by using private, not public, funds in the financing. 

"As confirmed by NBA Commissioner David Stern, this process has shown that Anaheim/Orange County is a stand-alone market.  With more than 3 million residents, Orange County is its own region – not a suburb.  We believe that there should be more than one venue in southern California to enjoy NBA basketball. 

"Though we are disappointed at today's announcement, we respect this business decision.  I am grateful to the Maloofs for their strong interest in Anaheim and Orange County. I want to thank my colleagues on the city council, the city staff and Anaheim Arena Management for their commitment to this effort.  I especially want to thank Henry and Susan Samueli for their passion and dedication to Anaheim and Orange County.

"The bottom line is this: The final chapter has not been written.  Anaheim/Orange County is ripe for the NBA and we offer an incredibly attractive package to any team.  As a world-class sports and entertainment destination, Anaheim will continue to move forward and we remain optimistic to one day welcoming professional basketball to Anaheim."

Media Contact: Ruth Ruiz 714.765.5060more city news

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ABOUT ANAHEIM – The City of Anaheim, founded in 1857, is one of the nation's premier municipalities and is one of California's most populous cities. Anaheim covers 50 square miles with more than 343,000 residents and more than 2,950 City employees. The municipal corporation's annual budget is $1.5 billion. Anaheim supports a thriving business community with companies such as Carl Karcher Enterprises, Inc., L-3 Communications, Pacific Sunwear, and Disneyland Resort. Successful sports franchises call Anaheim home, including Angels Baseball, Anaheim Ducks, the U.S. Men's National Volleyball Team, the 2012 Olympic Games Silver Medal winning U.S. Women's National Volleyball Team, and the Professional Arena Soccer League Anaheim Bolts. Anaheim also boasts world-class meeting and entertainment venues with the Anaheim Convention Center, LEED-certified and the largest on the west coast, Honda Center, City National Grove of Anaheim, Anaheim GardenWalk, and Angel Stadium of Anaheim. In addition, Anaheim embraces its vibrant cultural arts community, including the world-renowned Anaheim Ballet. Annually, Anaheim welcomes millions of visitors to the city, truly making it where the world comes to live, work and play. For more information, please visit www.anaheim.net.

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