The Bee's Tony Bizjak reports that the Hansen-Ballmer is contemplating increasing their bid for the Sacramento Kings by $25 million after the Sacramento group led by Vivek Ranadivé indicated they would match Seattle's offer.
In a change in strategy, Sam Amick reports that Sacramento will not match Chris Hansen's bid on Bob Cook's 7% minority ownership. Since the minority share sale will still require BOG approval, it is not viewed as critical by Kevin Johnson and crew.
The Sacramento Bee reports that former Facebook executive Chris Kelly has joined Sacramento's group. Mayor Johnson, Vivek Ranadive and Kelly himself all confirmed the report on Twitter.
Ailene Voisin has another bombshell: the Maloofs want the Kings issue resolved so they can buy a National Hockey League or Major League Baseball team.
In his latest piece for USA Today, Sam Amick writes that Sacramento is expected to fully match Seattle's offer for the Kings. He also sheds some light on why the Maloof Family has set a deadline and whether or not Seattle can up their bid should Sac
Sports Business Daily reports that the NBA has requested Vivek Ranadivé's group to refund the $30 million down payment made by Chris Hansen's group if the Kings stay in Sacramento.
Chris Daniels reports that Sacramento and Seattle each have proponents at the league, and that the final showdown has pitted David Stern against NBA owners.
The Bee's Tony Bizjak reports that the Maloof Family is giving Sacramento a deadline of 5 P.M. on Friday to submit an offer that is equal to Seattle's in order to be considered should the NBA deny their sale to Seattle.
In the first definitive statement about Sacramento's counter-bid to keep the Kings, CA State Sen. Darrell Steinberg says that Sacramento has matched Seattle's offer dollar-for-dollar. However, he later backtracked.
Following yesterday's departure of Ron Burkle, local developer Mark Friedman has joined Sacramento's bid to keep the Kings and build a new arena in downtown Sacramento. Friedman calls his commitment "substantial".
