Art Thiel

Wait could be longer for Sonics fans; Kings sold to Calif. investors

Kirsten Kendrick and Art Thiel — Fri, 17 May 2013 12:00:00 +0000

The effort to bring the Sacramento Kings to Seattle is officially over. After the NBA Board of Governors voted Wednesday to deny relocation of the Kings to Seattle, the team has now been sold to California investors.

The Sacramento Bee reports a Sacramento investors group has reached a deal with the Maloof family to buy the Kings for an NBA record valuation of $535 million.

KPLU sports commentator Art Thiel phoned in a report on the deal late Thursday night.

Sounders, fans hoping they can dig out of big hole

Kirsten Kendrick and Art Thiel — Fri, 10 May 2013 12:00:00 +0000

The Seattle Sounders FC stunned Sporting Kansas City Wednesday by scoring late in stoppage time to win 1-0 in dramatic fashion. It was a thrill that fans haven't experienced that often this season.

KPLU sports commentator Art Thiel points to the team's recent roster change as a factor.

A 'win-win-win' idea for Kings sale, NBA in Seattle

Kirsten Kendrick and Art Thiel — Fri, 03 May 2013 16:24:46 +0000

The NBA Board of Governors is expected to vote May 15 on the recommendation by its relocation committee to keep the Sacramento Kings from moving to Seattle. But investor Chris Hansen is refusing to give up.

KPLU sports commentator Art Thiel has his own idea for how to solve this whole mess.

Mariners' slump physical and mental

Kirsten Kendrick and Art Thiel — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 12:00:00 +0000

The Mariners beat the Angels Thursday night 6-0. A bit of good news, after they hit a new low on the road.

The team's problem is both physical and mental, says KPLU sports commentator Art Thiel.

Boston bombing will not deter marathoners, sports-loving city

Kirsten Kendrick and Art Thiel — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 12:00:00 +0000

"Of all the cities…and of all the sports.”

That’s what KPLU sports commentator Art Thiel is saying about this week’s deadly bombing at the Boston Marathon. Art says the attack will only strengthen the resolve of marathon runners and the sports-loving city.

Remembering PLU football great Frosty Westering

Art Thiel — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 03:54:24 +0000

I once asked Frosty Westering whether his way of coaching football could work at the major college level.

“Of course,” he said, smiling. “It all depends on what the goals are.”

Sacramento or Seattle? Why NBA commish wants Kings to stay put

Kirsten Kendrick and Art Thiel — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 12:00:00 +0000

The battle between Seattle and Sacramento investors over the Kings basketball team has taken a few more turns. The most interesting one is the revelation that NBA commissioner David Stern appears to want to keep the team in Sactown.

KPLU sports commentator Art Thiel explains why.

Sonics fans left to wait; Kings decision likely delayed

Kirsten Kendrick and Art Thiel — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Why the delay? That’s what a lot of Sonics fans in Seattle are asking, after a meeting of NBA owners this week regarding the future of the Sacramento Kings.

Seattle and Sacramento groups made competing bids and NBA commissioner David Stern says it will likely take longer than expected to reach a decision.

Does Mariners' spring training success mean strong season?

Kirsten Kendrick and Art Thiel — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 12:00:00 +0000

The Mariners begin their regular season Monday in Oakland against the A’s. KPLU sports commentator Art Thiel explains what fans can expect after an impressive spring training.

Should Seattle go for 2024 Summer Olympics?

Kirsten Kendrick and Art Thiel — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 12:00:00 +0000

A lot of people are talking about Seattle being one of the U.S. cities inquiring about a bid to host the 2024 Summer Olympics.

Is the city ready for something like this? KPLU sports commentator Art Thiel looks at the pros and cons.

New additions to Seahawks could be ingredients for a championship

Kevin Kniestedt and Art Thiel — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 12:01:00 +0000

The Seattle Seahawks made two big moves this week, trading for high-profile wide receiver Percy Harvin and signing defensive end Cliff Avril. These moves show that the Seahawks are serious about winning a Super Bowl this upcoming season, says sports commentator Art Thiel.

Zags deserve No.1 ranking; Seattle hosts Pac-12 women's tourney

Kirsten Kendrick and Art Thiel — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 13:00:00 +0000

College basketball is big news in Washington right now. Gonzaga is the No. 1 team in the nation for the first time in school – and state – history.

The Husky and Cougar men are playing in the Pac-12 tournament this weekend in Las Vegas. And Seattle is hosting the Pac-12 women’s tournament.

KPLU sports commentator Art Thiel weighs in on it all.

Sounders start fifth season 'in flux'

Kirsten Kendrick and Art Thiel — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 13:00:00 +0000

The Seattle Sounders begin their fifth season Saturday night at home against the Montreal Impact.

The Sounders have made some changes in the offseason. And according to KPLU sports commentator Art Thiel, there are a lot of things still up in the air.

Young Mariner veterans need to step up this season

Kirsten Kendrick and Art Thiel — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 13:00:00 +0000

The Mariners begin spring training play this weekend in Arizona.

KPLU sports commentator shares his thoughts on the new additions to the team and his concerns about some young returning players.

Lovefest for Felix; M's pitcher now highest paid hurler in baseball

Kirsten Kendrick and Art Thiel — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 13:00:00 +0000

First came the American League Cy Young Award in 2010. Then, last year’s perfect game.

But KPLU sports commentator Art Thiel says nothing compares to the outpouring of emotion he witnessed this week at Safeco Field as the Mariners’ Felix Hernandez signed a contract that makes him the highest-paid pitcher in baseball.