Bucks Ownership Guarantees Team Stays in Milwaukee for Next 30 Years
The Milwaukee Bucks up their season Wednesday night with another loss to the Indiana Pacers, ending the year with a 33-49 record.
It brought to a close a whirlwind year for fans, hoping for a better turnout after a playoff berth last year.
"They haven't gotten as many wins as I was hoping for," says Eric Gebhart. "But they were fun to watch."
Perhaps the most exciting part of the Bucks season happened off the court, with plans for a new arena finalized. Wednesday, the organization finalized a lease agreement on the new arena.
It lasts for 30 years, and includes hundreds of millions of dollars in penalties if the Bucks break the contract and relocate to another city.
"30 years really means 30 years," says co-owner Wes Edens. "They built it with a financial penalty that is so punitive it would be not something you'd even consider, so it's a firm commitment."
The ownership group spoke briefly before Wednesday's loss, saying the future is bright both off the court, and on it.
"We've got future all stars or future MVP's on this team," says co-owner Marc Lasry. "The potential for this team is phenomenal, the question is do we reach that potential."