Russell Wilson Joining Seattle Arena Investment Group

SEATTLE (AP) — Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson is joining the investment group looking to build a new NBA/NHL arena in Seattle's stadium district.

Lead investor Chris Hansen said Monday that Wilson is "a young, smart and passionate entrepreneur," and is joining the group as a business partner.

Hansen's been the primary investor in the project, with members of the Nordstrom family and former Seattle SuperSonics team president and minority owner Wally Walker also part of the investment group.

Hansen last month announced his intention to privately finance the proposed project in exchange for tax breaks.

The city has acknowledged Hansen's intent while also opening a request for proposals for a possible renovation of KeyArena, the former home of the SuperSonics. The proposals are due in early 2017.