The Sacramento Kings‘ inevitable divorce with the city of Sacramento just keeps going. Year after year, the team seems almost certain to depart for greener pastures, but once again, the Kings will stay put.
Despite the team’s majority owners striking a deal to sell and move the Kings, an NBA ownership committee unanimously voted that relocation was not the best option. Sacramento mayor Kevin Johnson didn’t hide his excitement as he tweeted a ton of capital letters and exclamation points.
That’s what I’m talking about SACRAMENTO!!!!! WE DID IT!!!!!
— Kevin Johnson (@KJ_MayorJohnson) April 29, 2013
I’ve never been prouder of this city. I thank the ownership group, city leaders, but most of all the BEST FANS IN THE NBA!!!
— Kevin Johnson (@KJ_MayorJohnson) April 29, 2013
Of course, the committee’s vote is only a recommendation to the actual NBA owners, who will officially vote on May 13, but word on the street is they will heed the committee’s advice.
However, ESPN reports Seattle businessman Chris Hansen, who was a part of a $365 million bid for 65 percent of the team, will “move forward with the transaction” anyway. The report also states Hansen plans to lobby the NBA Board of Governors at the time of the owners’ meeting in mid-May.
Now a group led by Bay Area businessman Vivek Ranadive is the favorite to buy 65 percent of the Kings for $341 million and keep them in Sacramento.
This battle is far from over, but Sacramento fans now have legitimate hope once again.
