Bad news Sonics fans; rumors suggest Sacramento has an advantage in NBA deal
Apr 11, 2013, 7:05 AM | Updated: 1:10 pm
Reports suggest NBA commissioner David Stern is now leaning Sacramento's way, and that he has actually been working behind the scenes to get more support from Sacramento to boost its offer. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
(AP Photo/Richard Drew)
With a week to go before the NBA meets to decide whether the Sacramento Kings will move to Seattle, the rumors are flying over which city has the advantage.
KING 5 reports NBA commissioner David Stern is now leaning Sacramento’s way, and that he has actually been working behind the scenes to get more support from Sacramento to boost its offer.
Now a source is telling Sports Business Daily that the NBA is asking Sacramento to cover a $30 million non-refundable deposit Hansen’s group paid the Maloofs, the majority owner, for the Kings.
Multiple sources also report the counter-offer from Sacramento is close to matching Seattle’s.
“You can ask me a hundred different ways,” said Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, “money is not the issue. Our group has stepped up and did what was necessary for our community, which we call playing to win, to keep our team in Sacramento.”
The Sacramento Bee reports the Maloof family, which owns a majority of the team, has given Sacramento until 5 p.m. Friday to submit its bid or it won’t even consider it.
According to KCRA.com, Calif. State Senate leader Darrell Steinberg has said the Sacramento group’s bid to buy the team matches “dollar-for-dollar” an offer made by Hansen’s group in Seattle.
The NBA’s Board of Governors is expected to make a final decision on the Kings sale at its meeting April 18-19.
Read more:
Reports: Sacramento investors match Hansen’s offer; Maloofs set deadline
MyNorthwest.com’s Stephanie Klein contributed to this report.
