Could Louisville get an NBA Team now that the YUM Center is empty

[DrH. Lecter]

It would be a great time to try to find an NBA Franchise for Louisville. Although the Jurich/Ramsey Crime Family is gone, they with Pitino were able to keep serious discussion of that from happening. Propaganda and a glowing media allowed Jurich to tamp down that discussion. And there is no longer a mood at the university to allow it to be run by athletics or a tyrant like Jurich.

But that time has passed. Their program is in total disarray. They don't have an AD or President much less, one who have figured out how to bilk the citizens of Jefferson County via the YUM Center finance deal. They are very weak now not only on campus, athletically but in support from the community. Its time to fully unwind the YUM deal that allowed them to funnel all the profits into Jurich's pockets or dictate schedule. Without the money they skimmed off every event, they do not have the ability to pay a top coach to take the job....and they are stuck with D2 level coaches like Mack and Satterfield.

They are like UCLA but without all the victories or actual NCAA titles....okay they are nothing like UCLA but their program today has fallen to that level. Has-beens but in their case never-really-was. They do not deserve or need a 20K seat NBA style arena for 6K fans. Certainly the women's team may out draw them and have the success, but nobody cares about women's basketball.

So it is time for the city and the state to bring in an NBA franchise to fill the void and the empty YUM Center. They are wrecked for years to come. The city and state deserve a professional team if Louisville is to grow. Don't let Nashville suck all the energy out of the region. We can do this. LilBro is in no position to stop it again. Strike while the iron is hot.

 

[GLR5555]

They do everytime we come to town.

 

[WildcatFan1982]

I'd be fine with a NBA team but I'm not sure how long it would last.

 

[Cotaay]

Unfortunately I think the city blew its chance, will always be a second rate college town.

I’m going to a Pelicans game in a few weeks, probably the team that should be playing in Louisville and that arena will be as empty as a UofL game. New Orleans was always a bad fit for an NBA team, think it would take them relocating and the NBA expanding for the city to maybe get a team but as much as would love for it to happen I think the chances are slim.

 

[bbncal02]

NBA is just not a huge draw in the south it seems. Even in America. It’s about football. Can’t even remember when I actively watched a full NBA game. And I like basketball. I follow our guys and watch bits and pieces here and there. But I don’t know. Seems to be stagnant as a sport. In this country it’s all about pigskins.

 

[YardCat]

Not big enough draw of basketball fans, only the UK fans there know anything about basketball.

 

[UK90]

The city had a prime opportunity to land an NBA team when the current Pelicans (formerly Hornets) franchise seriously considered moving to Louisville, but UL, Jurich and Pitino sabotaged the effort. Not sure if it’ll ever get a second bite at that apple.

 

[Ugoff]

I'm in. This would draw support away from U6 and turn the white elephant they call the Yum center profitable. I might even watch their games if they call it Kentucky....something.

 

[DrH. Lecter]

Certainly the clout of the University is at a low. Jurich single-handedly killed serious discussion for his own personal greed. The time may not get better.....except if they get the much deserved death penalty.

 

[ArcadiaFan]

I am kind of surprised Cincinnati doesn't try to get back into the NBA again. They'd have to build a new arena there but it could pay dividends if the team could draw and just having another big time venue for concerts and other events. The NCAA Tournament was supposed to be played there in March contingent on the US Bank Arena being renovated, but the deadline passed and the NCAA moved those games to Indianapolis.

 

[DrH. Lecter]

I am kind of surprised Cincinnati doesn't try to get back into the NBA again. They'd have to build a new arena there but it could pay dividends if the team could draw and just having another big time venue for concerts and other events. The NCAA Tournament was supposed to be played there in March contingent on the US Bank Arena being renovated, but the deadline passed and the NCAA moved those games to Indianapolis.

Dont give them any ideas.