National Basketball Association

New Seattle arena closer to reality

Published Sep. 11, 2012 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

A new arena in Seattle that could bring the NBA back to the Puget Sound appears a step closer to reality.

Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn has issued a statement late Monday night saying he welcomes the news that the Seattle City Council has decided to support bringing basketball back to Seattle.

McGinn's statement came after KING-TV and The Seattle Times reported, citing anonymous sources, that the City Council and arena investor Chris Hansen had agreed upon changes to the original memorandum of understanding that would address transportation concerns in the area around the proposed arena.

A formal announcement on the agreement is expected Tuesday.

McGinn says while Seattle still doesn't have a team, ''Sonics fans have a reason to smile today.''