KINGS RANSOM? THOMAS SELLS 25% OF TEAM TO MALOOF SPORTS

          Kings Managing General Partner Jim Thomas has sold part
     of the team and Arco Arena to the Maloof family of NM,
     according to Martin McNeal of the SACRAMENTO BEE.  Thomas
     said the moves "were made to generate cash for the team and
     arena."  Sources said the Maloof family, operating as Maloof
     Sports & Entertainment, paid $37.5M for "about" 25% of the
     team.  Thomas: "This will shore up the financial situation
     with the arena and with the city.  It will help solidify the
     team's position in Sacramento and it will help us move
     forward in our desire to build the sports and entertainment
     center" around Arco Arena.  Thomas said that the new group
     also "will have the option of purchasing his interest in the
     team and arena in about five years" (SACRAMENTO BEE, 1/14).