Judge: Seattle fans' suit can go on

SEATTLE, Feb. 24 (UPI) -- Part of a lawsuit filed by three former Seattle Supersonics season-ticket holders against the team's owner can go on, a judge ruled Monday.

U.S. District Judge Richard Jones ruled that a breach of contract claim by the fans against former Sonics owner Clay Bennett can advance, and the suit now appears headed for a jury trial, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reported.

If so, a jury will decide whether all 1,200 or so individuals and businesses who renewed their season tickets for the Sonics' final season in Seattle's KeyArena are entitled to damages because the team didn't allow them the opportunity to renew their tickets at the same guaranteed price for the now-canceled following two years, the Post-Intelligencer said.

Bennett moved the team to Oklahoma City after the 2007-08 season following a legal dispute over the team's lease at KeyArena.