The Maloof family’s decision to stop talks with local officials stems from differences over parking, the amount of land that will be used for the arena and uses for land surrounding the arena site.

"It’s obvious that the Maloofs and the city and county are not on the same page." 

Mat Mahood – head of the Sacramento Chamber of Commerce and co-chair of the Yes on Q and R Campaign - says despite this latest development, they’re pushing forward with or without the Maloofs. 

"This isn’t just about the Maloofs but it’s about trying to improve the quality for Sacramento County and that’s what we intend to do."

But with only about 7-weeks before Election Day, Sacramento State public policy professor Rob Wassmer says infighting among arena tax supporters doesn’t bode well for their campaign. 

"People want it downtown and if the Maloofs are hesitating about putting it downtown or saying there’s a chance it would go elsewhere I think there’s a real question about this being able to pass." 

Arena tax supporters say they plan to wage an aggressive campaign in the coming weeks. Opponents say the Maloof’s decision to back out proves the tax is a bad idea.