On Jan. 11, the Ackerley Group announced the sale of the Sonics and the WNBA's Storm for $200 million to a group led by coffee magnate Howard Schultz. The deal ended the tenure of Barry Ackerley ? chairman and CEO of his namesake company ? who bought the Sonics in 1983 before they went on to become one of the most successful NBA teams of the 1990s.

Although the Ackerleys were out of the NBA spotlight, they wasted little time making business news: On Oct. 7, the Ackerley Group ? which owns more than 6,000 outdoor displays, 18 television stations and five radio stations ? merged with Clear Channel, the global media company based in San Antonio.

The Ackerley Group was sold in a stock deal worth more than $750 million, which won't be finalized until about March 2002.

"It was time for us to consolidate," Ackerley said, "and I think we've chosen well and wisely."

The Ackerleys ? who are season-ticket holders of the Sonics and WNBA Storm ? remain avid fans of their old teams. The family lost two of its suites by selling the Sonics, one going to Schultz and the other to the NBA for broadcasting purposes. But the Ackerleys use suites leased by New Century Media and AK Media, the radio and billboard divisions of their company.

The Ackerleys have stayed involved in the Seattle community through the Ginger and Barry Ackerley Foundation, which is geared toward the education of local underprivileged children.

Barry Ackerley, 67, who once underwent quintuple heart-bypass surgery, is said to be in good health. His son, Chris Ackerley ? promoted to president of the Ackerley Group in July ? has taken a lead role in the family businesses.