Ron Burkle meets with David Stern about keeping Kings in Sacramento

Sacramento's shot at keeping the Kings rests on the shoulder of billionaire Ron Burkle and the city's ability to get an arena plan together.

USA Today reported that the money man met with David Stern Thursday for two hours at the NBA offices in New York.

The Maloof family has agreed to sell a majority stake in the franchise to a Seattle group led by billionaire hedge fund manager Chris Hansen and Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. However, Burkle, who owns part of the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL, and Mark Mastrov, founder of 24-Hour Fitness, plan on making a competing bid in an attempt to keep the Kings in the Cowbell Kingdom.

The NBA Board of Governors still have to approve any deal. And Stern has told Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson that his city will get a shot at pitching to board on staying in Sac-Town.

The Sacramento Bee reported that the Kings' minority owners have "first right of refusal" to buy the team, meaning the partners could get a shot at matching the Seattle group's offer.

 

Billionaire Ron Burkle meets with David Stern in attempt to keep the Kings in Sacramento