Phoenix officials have broken off discussions with the Phoenix Suns over a proposed renovation of Talking Stick Resort Arena, according to a report from 12 News.
After reports had indicated that the team was seeking a new or upgraded facility, the Suns revealed this summer that they would pursue a renovation of Talking Stick Resort Arena. The team and the City of Phoenix were said to be in discussions over upgrading the downtown Phoenix facility, but the city has reportedly suspended those talks.
According to the report, the city and the Suns were not close to agreeing on the terms for a $450-million overhaul to the arena. More from 12 News:
The City of Phoenix has suspended talks with the Phoenix Suns over a proposed $450 million renovation of Talking Stick Resort Arena, according to people familiar the City Council’s action Tuesday behind closed doors.
The council has met several times in executive session in recent weeks to discuss the proposed renovation. The council action Tuesday raises questions about the Suns’ future in Phoenix if a deal isn’t done.
The two sides are reportedly far apart on the terms of the deal.
News of the suspended talks comes after a 12 News report last week that the renovation faced opposition from two council members who are running for mayor.
The Suns have played at Talking Stick Resort Arena since 1992, when it originally opened as America West Arena. For the 2017-18 season, the venue is the sixth-oldest in the NBA and some of the venues that predate it–including Minnesota’s Target Center and Utah’s Vivint Smart Home Arena–recently underwent major renovations.
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