New Orleans Hornets' Next Nest: Top 5 Future Destinations for the Franchise

The Hornets may need to find a new nest. Due to low attendance, the New Orleans Hornets have the possibility of a future relocation to a different city. The Hornets are not bringing in enough fans, so the NBA may move them to a city who claims they will. Let's look at the top cities that could be their new home.

5. Cincinnati, Ohio

The Queen City has in fact had an NBA team. In 1957, Cincinnati inherited the Rochester Royals. The Cincinnati Royals played in Cincy until 1972. Cincinnati is ranked the 24th most populated city in America. The only cities ahead of them that do not have an NBA team is Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay, St. Louis, and Baltimore. Cincinnati is a great place for an NBA team. The city of Cincinnati hosts college basketball games for the Cincinnati Bearcats, who draws a great crowd do their games. An NBA team would play at the same arena the Bearcats play in, the Fifth Third Arena. The Fifth Third arena holds over 13,176 fans. Although that arena would be the smallest arena in the NBA, Cincinnati would have no problem filling the seats for the Hornets.

4. Seattle, Washington

Seattle is the fourth best fit for the Hornets. The city of Seattle is ranked 15th in the nation in terms of population. The 14 city's ranked above them, all have an NBA team. Seattle hosted the Super Sonics from 1967 until 2008. The Sonics played in the Key Arena throughout their history in Seattle. Seattle supported their team very well for a long period of time. The Sonics were able to bring in, on average, over 15,000 fans each game from 1994 until the team's last season in 2008. Seattle followed the Seahawks greatly last season, filling up Qwest Field every single game. Along with the Seahawks and Mariners, Seattle is very capable of supporting a third professional team and bringing fans into games.

3. Kansas City, Missouri

Kansas City is the third best fit for the new home of the Hornets. After losing the Kansas City Kings to Sacramento in 1985, Kansas City has only three professional teams: the Royals, the Chiefs, and the Wizards (recently changed to Sporting KC). Now is a perfect time for Kansas City to add another team. Kansas City is the 29th most populated city in America, and an NBA team in the Missouri would bring a large crowd. Kansas City already has an NBA-like arena with the Sprint Center. The Sprint Center holds 18,555 people, which is plenty big for an NBA team.

2. St. Louis, Missouri

St. Louis is a better fit for an NBA team then Kansas City, and Missouri needs a professional basketball team. St. Louis is a great sports city, and some say that this city has the best fans in all of sports. Every team in St. Louis draws huge fans. Now that Sam Bradford is in St. Louis, the Rams are selling games out. Both the Blues and the Cardinals draw in great crowds. An NBA team in St. Louis would do the same thing. St. Louis had an NBA team with the St. Louis Hawks (now the Atlanta Hawks) from 1955 to 1968. St. Louis ranks 18th in the nation for largest city, so an NBA team in St. Louis would get many fans. The Scottrade Center, which holds 19,150 fans, would be perfect for NBA games to be played in.

1. Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas is a great place for the Hornets to relocate. Even though it ranks 30th in the nation for population, this city gets a ton tourists who will fill the seats for the Hornets. Las Vegas hosted the All-Star Game in 2007, which drew 15,694 fans. Las Vegas is in need for a professional team, is a hot spot for the next home of the Hornets.