Sonics CEO Wally Walker has said that the franchise is not for sale, but he left open the possibility that principal owner and founder of the widely-popular Starbucks coffee chain, Howard Shultz might sell his share of the team.

Mr. Shultz is apparently unhappy with the volatile nature of owning an NBA team.  Rumors that Shultz might sell his share have been circulating for months; however, yesterday was the first time Walker did not deny Shultz?s perceived intent.

At the heart of his unhappiness is the fact that Shultz must pay his players 60% of revenues, a vastly inflated number compared to what Starbucks employees take in.  Mr. Shultz is also frustrated by his inability to sway the views of his players in a business that he believes should be customer-friendly.