Wisconsin governor Scott Walker signed off on a bill pledging $250 million worth of taxpayer funding for a new Milwaukee Bucks arena Wednesday.
The Associated Press' Todd Richmond and Scott Bauer reported the news and included Walker's comments about the massive financial commitment that will span 20 years but amount to $400 million with interest:
This wasn't Republican or Democrat. This was a good example where people came together, not only across party lines but from all over the state of Wisconsin. I do what's right. I don't worry about interest groups, whether they be on the right or the left. ... When the chips are down, I'm not intimidated by anyone.
Current and past owners of the NBA franchise will contribute $250 million in funds to match the money Wisconsin taxpayers are throwing into the pot. The Bucks currently play in the BMO Harris Bradley Center, which is widely considered dated.
ESPN's Brian Windhorst believes the threat of the franchise being moved has effectively been neutralized:
Bucks president Peter Feigin also released a statement regarding the new arena bill through the team's official website:
Today's signing is the culmination of an extraordinary effort from a broad coalition to not only keep the Bucks in Wisconsin, but revitalize Milwaukee. The entire Bucks family is thankful for the leadership and bipartisan support of Governor Walker, state legislators, local officials, countless organizations and the community. We will continue to work with the city and county to move this public-private partnership forward as swiftly as possible and make this world-class sports and entertainment district a reality.
TSN's Rick Westhead weighed in on Walker's decision to sign the bill:
Although the cost is high for the fresh venue, there's reason for Milwaukee fans to be extremely optimistic about the future and to see their investment rewarded in a big way.
Last season saw the Bucks make a surprise trip to the Eastern Conference playoffs. They have a young core featuring the likes of Greg Monroe, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jabari Parker, Michael Carter-Williams and Khris Middleton.
The East is the weaker conference, and Milwaukee has plenty of young assets who have room to grow. Head coach Jason Kidd also did a fine job juggling a diverse rotation and adjusted well to a big trade-deadline shakeup in his first season at the helm.
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Source: Matt Fitzgerald http://ift.tt/1L6aVC1
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