WNBA Storm Get New 10-Year KeyArena Lease Extension Approved Through '28

A 10-year lease extension "has been approved" for the WNBA Seattle Storm that keeps the team at KeyArena through '28 and "protects the squad if it has to relocate because of a major NBA/NHL renovation of the facility," according to Geoff Baker of the SEATTLE TIMES. The new deal provides the Storm up to $2.6M per season "in the event a KeyArena renovation forces the team to play elsewhere." In addition to any relocation money, the city will also "pay the team $100,00 annually to compensate for the loss of any long-term sponsorship or advertising deals due to uncertainty over whether KeyArena is to soon undergo a major renovation." The Storm's ownership "insists it remains open to playing at a new venue pitched in Sodo District by entrepreneur Chris Hansen if that facility is chosen to become Seattle's major sports arena" (SEATTLE TIMES, 5/31).