From what I understand, it was not a case of poor attendance and fan support, that lost the Hornets. It was an owner that wanted a new publicly financed arena, when the city had built one not too long before. He thought it was already outdated. The city basically said good riddance. New Orleans had a new arena in place, so that is where he went. New Orleans is not a step up from Charlotte economically. If I were player, I'd rather be in New Orleans, though. That city is great. Charlotte is a nice city, it's just a little bland there.