The future of the Sacramento Kings may be up for grabs, but according to a report from the Sacramento Bee, they could be staying in California after all.

NBA commissioner David Stern said Tuesday that the Maloof family, owners of the Sacramento Kings, has agreed to make a substantial contribution to the city's $387 million arena deal to keep the team in Sacramento.

While the terms of the contribution were not disclosed, the NBA and Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson have agreed to a 'work plan" in hopes of reaching a deal to finance a new arena by the March 1 deadline. Johnson, a former NBA player, said he plans to meet with commissioner Stern over the NBA's All-Star festivities in Orlando this weekend.

"There is a lot of discussion going on. We're hoping by the March 1 deadline there will be a financing plan that makes sense," commissioner Stern told David Aldridge of TNT Sports.

If an agreement is reached, a term sheet will be announced on March 1 and the Sacramento City Council will vote on the plan on March 6.

Seattle city leaders have expressed their desire to build a new sports arena in the SoDo neighborhood with hopes of obtaining both an NBA and NHL franchise.

The two most accessible franchises for relocation -- the NBA's Kings and NHL's Phoenix Coyotes -- have been rumored as possible targets for the city of Seattle, but both have made an effort to stay in their respective cities as of late.

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  Mo Gaud wrote...

  The stench of Stern

  February 22, 2012 10:11 am

  is all over this. Using Seattle as the impetus to coerce more money out of the Desert Queen. Be careful what you wish for.

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  CH wrote...

  * Report: Kings to make large contribution to arena deal . . . .

  February 22, 2012 11:02 am

  Seattle you have extra tax money[$200 million] laying around Build it and they will come.

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  Rick W7PSK wrote...

  They already owe the NBA 180 million

  February 22, 2012 11:50 am

  they got to keep the team afloat. They went bankrupt on their Sands hotel deal

  Where in the heck hey coming up with a substantial contribution?

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