Associated Press: Collapse of NBA, NHL arena deal prompts recriminations, allegations of impropriety in Virginia
Supporters of a proposal to move the Washington Wizards and Capitals to Virginia began blaming everyone involved when the deal fell apart. Opponents had noted the deal would have cost over a billion dollars — money that could be put to greater community use — and generate few benefits.
Alexandria’s economic development director, Stephanie Landrum, told the Associated Press failing to bring in the teams would cause other businesses to reconsider coming to Virginia.
Greg LeRoy, executive director of incentives watchdog Good Jobs First, said it was “laughable to think that turning away a sports team seeking public financing will hurt the state’s business climate.”
“Other regions would kill for a business climate like northern Virginia’s,” said LeRoy, whose organization opposed the deal.
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