Reports: Sonics apply for a relocation

SEATTLE, Nov. 2 (UPI) -- Seattle SuperSonics owner Clay Bennett Friday said he is filing with the NBA for permission to move the team to his hometown of Oklahoma City.

The Seattle Times reported Bennett said in a written statement the lack of support for a new arena in Seattle and ongoing financial losses gave team owners "no option but to commence the NBA relocation process."

The report added Bennett's statement was not clear on when the move would be made, but it could be next season if he wins the ongoing court battle to get out of the Sonics' KeyArena lease, or at the end of the lease in 2010.

"Timing could be upon determination of this litigation," he said in an interview with the Oklahoman. "So it could be at the end of this season. It could be at the end of the existing lease term. It could be in between if there is some settlement or negotiation that we both agree to."