David Stern and the NBA may not stand in the way of the Sonics moving out of Seattle.

"I fully expect to be visiting Seattle in the relatively near future to weigh in on that subject and I'm quite on record as saying that Seattle has what is the least competitive lease in the league, which is a decided economic disadvantage," Stern said.

"I think if that situation is not ultimately improved ---- and we all knew it had to be improved ---- I think that the board of governors at the expiration of the lease would be inclined to listen to their partner's request for an opportunity to be in a place where there is a good lease and a good facility."

SuperSonics principal owner Howard Schultz recently said the team has lost almost $60 million since buying the team in 2001 and will consider moving or selling the team if the state Legislature fails to earmark $200 million to refurbish Key Arena or build a new home.

The Sonics' lease at the arena expires in 2010.

"I would prefer and I know that Howard Schultz and his partners would prefer that the team remain in Seattle with an opportunity to compete with other NBA teams," Stern said.