Sacramento Kings owners OK sale to Seattle group

James Johnson of the Sacramento Kings dunks against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center Dec. 21, 2012, in Los Angeles. / Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

The only thing stopping the Sacramento Kings from a sale and move to Seattle is approval by NBA owners.

The Maloof family has agreed to sell the Kings to a Seattle group led by investor Chris Hansen, the league confirmed in a statement Monday morning. The deal is still pending a vote by the NBA Board of Governors.

A person familiar with the decision said that Hansen's group will buy 65 percent of the franchise for $525 million, move the team to Seattle and restore the SuperSonics name. The Maloofs will have no stake in the team.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal was waiting approval.

The sale figure is a total valuation of the franchise, which includes relocation fees. Hansen's group also is hoping to buy out other minority investors.

The Maloofs will get a $30 million non-refundable down payment by Feb. 1, according to the deal, one person said. They will still be allowed to receive other offers until the league approves the sale.

The plan by Hansen's group is to have the team play at least the next two seasons in KeyArena before moving into a new facility in downtown Seattle. The deadline for teams to apply for a move for next season is March 1.

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"We have always appreciated and treasured our ownership of the Kings and have had a great admiration for the fans and our team members. We would also like to thank Chris Hansen for his professionalism during our negotiation. Chris will be a great steward for the franchise," Kings co-owner Gavin Maloof said in a statement on behalf of the family.

Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson said last week he had received permission from NBA Commissioner David Stern to present a counteroffer to league owners from buyers who would keep the Kings in Sacramento.

Johnson, himself a former All-Star point guard in the NBA, said in a statement that the city remained undeterred despite the agreement with the Seattle group.

"Sacramento has proven that it is a strong NBA market with a fan base that year in and year out has demonstrated a commitment to the Kings by selling out 19 of 27 seasons in a top 20 market and owning two of the longest sellout streaks in NBA history," Johnson said.

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[ducksaucegeoff]

Seattle is getting the Sonics back. I think Charlotte should get the Hornets back, and Utah should give up the Jazz name. Big shake-up, big explanation:
http://ducksauceoneverything.blogspot.com/2013/01/a-post-about-kings-pelicans-hornets-and.html

[townlaw]

This is good news to the NBA players and future players as they will not have to go to Sacramento...just an awful place. Seattle is a great place and I'm sure a welcome change.