The Bills "could identify a new owner within three months, leading Gov. Andrew Cuomo's stepping up the state's efforts to secure the franchise's long-term future in the region," according to John Wawrow of the AP. A source on Saturday said that there is "an anticipation that the Bills' could be sold by July, and the sale approved by NFL owners as early as the league's meetings in October." Sources also said that at least one prospective ownership group already has "toured potential new stadium locations in Buffalo." The state "intends to hire a consulting firm over the next week to produce a report within three months that would be issued to prospective owners." The report would "identify potential stadium sites and outline public financing options that would be made available." That firm would "work with sports business attorney Irwin Raij, whose contract was extended last month, to represent the state during the sale process." The firm would "produce its report ahead of" the Bills' New Stadium Working Group (AP, 5/3). In Buffalo, Robert McCarthy noted Bills President & CEO Russ Brandon on Thursday dined with former Sabres Owner Tom Golisano, who has "been mentioned as a possible buyer of the team." Also at that dinner was former Sabres Managing Partner& Minority Owner Larry Quinn (BUFFALO NEWS, 5/4).