David Stern: Sacramento Bid Must Increase For Kings


The Commissioner said Friday night that the Sacramento counteroffer has a chance, but it must improve financially to go before the NBA Board of Governors. The BOG will take a vote on the sale and relocation of the Kings franchise April 18 in New York City. Per the AP: “NBA Commissioner David Stern said Friday night that the counteroffer to keep the Sacramento Kings from moving to Seattle needs to be increased financially before the league’s owners would even consider the bid. Speaking to reporters before the Golden State Warriors hosted the Houston Rockets, Stern said the Sacramento group’s offer has some ‘very strong financial people behind it but it is not quite there in terms of a comparison to the Seattle bid.’ He added that ‘unless it increases, it doesn’t get to the state of consideration.’ The league has scheduled a meeting April 3 in New York to avoid rushing debate on the issue. Representatives from Sacramento and Seattle will have a chance to present their case at that meeting, Stern said. The NBA Board of Governors will convene April 18, when a vote is expected to take place on the sale and relocation of the Kings franchise. A sale of a franchise requires a three-fourths majority approval of owners, while relocation requires just a simple majority. Stern said he is still hopeful that the Sacramento bid, led by 24 Hour Fitness founder Mark Mastrov and billionaire grocery tycoon Ron Burkle, will be comparable to the Seattle offer by the time owners have to make a decision. ‘I think right now it is fair to say that the offers are not comparable,’ Stern said.”