Yakima Nation Closes Doors for CBA Team

Folks, it's a sad day for not just Yakima basketball fans, but all sports fans who call Washington state their home. The CBA (Continental Basketball Association) team based in Yakima, The Sun Kings, shut down operations yesterday. The team was purchased by the Yakama Indian Nation a few years back for the relatively low price of $140,000. And it's not like the team hasn't been successful. The Sun Kings won back to back league championships in 2005 and 2006, and set the record for highest season win percentage this past year. That said, the team still wasn't making money.

The situation in Yakima parallels the Sonics for a variety of reason. First, it reflects the increasingly popular attitude that professional sports are not welcome in the liberal, outdoorsy communities in the North West. Second, the Sun Kings are in breach of their three year commitment to the city of Yakima, much the same the Sonics would be should they leave Key Arena. Lastly, it is another situation where money is the ultimate bottom line, regardless what is best for the community.

Virgil Lewis was one of the members of the tribe council who was in support of purchasing the team. By refusing the support the closing, he was voted off the council. He had this to team: "This is a real slap in the face to the Yakima community". Let's hope this isn't foreshadowing to Seattle's future...

Beautiful Yakima River