We're likely a ways off from any sort of resolution on the future of the Kings franchise, but in the meantime, each day seems to bring some sort of development on the sale of the team. Here's Thursday's latest:
- Attorney Donald Fitzgerald and trustee David Flemmer, who is handling the sale of Bob Cook's 7% share of the Kings, are negotiating with the Maloofs in the hopes of gaining access to the details of the Seattle sale, according to Dale Kasler of the Sacramento Bee. Fitzgerald and Flemmer believe minority owners should have the first right of refusal to match the Seattle offer, and say they need the Seattle documents to pursue their claim.
- If Fitzgerald and Flemmer are successful in their claim, one of the existing limited partners or whoever buys Cook's 7% share could have the opportunity to block the sale to the Seattle group, says Kasler.
- According to Kasler, the NBA expects to make a ruling on the Seattle purchase during the NBA's Board of Governors meeting in mid-April. Cook's share of the team is supposed to be auctioned off on the same day.
- Sacramento's City Hall has launched a feasibility analysis of Downtown Plaza as a spot for a new arena, according to Ryan Lillis of the Sacramento Bee. Ron Burkle, who is reportedly putting together a counter-proposal for the Kings, has advocated directly to NBA commissioner David Stern for building an arena at Sacramento's Downtown Plaza.