Whether you came to Marquette in part due to the success of the basketball program like me, or you haven't attended a game and don't care about sports, a controversial deal could have a big impact on all Marquette students. The deal I'm referring to of course is one that would bring a new $500 million multi-purpose arena to Milwaukee.

When the Milwaukee Bucks were purchased by Wesley Edens and Mark Lasry in 2014 for $550 million, the NBA had a provision added to the deal that the league would buy back the Bucks for $575 million if a new arena deal was not in place by November 2017. In early April, a proposal for a new arena was released, which consisted of some renderings of the half-a-billion dollar arena and a two-year construction plan that, if initiated by fall of 2015, would have the arena ready to open for the 2017 NBA season.

The problem since that announcement has been how to pay for this project. Edens and Lasry have promised a $250 million contribution, which leaves the remaining half on the city, state and county. This article isn't about how this arena will be funded however, it is about the impact it will have on Marquette University and it's current and future students. Here are five reasons why the Bucks staying in Milwaukee will benefit Marquette.

1. Current and Future Facilities Partnerships

Artist's rendering of part of the proposed Marquette-Bucks joint facility. (Courtesy: Marquette University)

Marquette announced a partnership with the Bucks in late January to build a multipurpose facility that will include indoor playing fields for Marquette's soccer and lacrosse teams, an indoor track and facilities to support academic research and wellness initiatives. Facilities like this contribute immensely to the quantity and quality of research done at Marquette, as well as providing training opportunities to keep our student athletes competitive.

2. Internships and Job Opportunities

Game 4 of the First Round of the NBA Playoffs between the Bucks and Chicago Bulls. (Photo: Zac Bellman)

Having an NBA team in Milwaukee means so much more than just having a team to cheer for, it can mean a start in dozens of career fields related to sports. The Bucks as well as various media outlets that cover their games have had long-standing relationships with Marquette that would be able to continue unimpeded if the team stays in Milwaukee. Losing the team could mean fewer internship opportunities to go around, and students leaving Marquette with less real-world experience to help set themselves apart.

3. Attracting Future Students

Artist's rendering of the exterior of the proposed Milwaukee arena. (Courtesy: Milwaukee Bucks)

Having a state of the art facility and NBA franchise may not appeal to everyone, but it is a unique selling-point that only 27 cities in the nation can boast. The prospect of attending Bucks and Marquette basketball games in an arena like the one the Bucks are proposing would undoubtedly help some future college students narrow their college choices.

4. Keeping Alumni Close

Artist's rendering of the proposed arena and surrounding amenities. (Courtesy: Milwaukee Bucks)

Not only would a new arena help attract future students, it may even lead to a few more graduates sticking around after graduation. Industry will be sparked around this area over the next decade or so of development of the area surrounding the arena, meaning considerable job growth over that period. This will benefit Marquette by providing an even stronger networking base in the city, as well as keeping alumni engaged in supporting the Marquette community long after their tenure as a student.

5. Keeping Marquette/Milwaukee's Reputation as a Basketball University/Town

Juan Anderson prepares to inbound a pass at the current BMO Bradley Center. (Photo: Zac Bellman)

Whether you partake in the basketball culture at Marquette or not, you can't deny it is a part of the fabric of this school. Marquette prides itself on its growing basketball tradition, and invests a great deal in keeping it a tradition to be proud of. The university spent just short of $10 million on its basketball program in 2012, and an additional $1 million on recruiting basketball players. Recruiting would be made that much easier if Marquette was touting a top tier facility to go along with the coaching, fan base and financial backing of a top-25 team. A new arena would show a firm commitment to basketball in the city of Milwaukee, both professional and collegiate.

Do you want a new arena in Milwaukee? Visit Save Our Bucks for up to date information on the arena and contact info for Wisconsin legislators to help push the deal through and keep the Bucks in Milwaukee.

This article is dedicated to the late Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter Don Walker, a man I had the privilege of working with on a couple occasions and a reporter who I admired greatly.