NBA Reps To Begin Assessment Of Kings' Viability In Sacramento

NBA reps, led by Thunder Owner Clay Bennett and NBA Exec Counsel Harvey Benjamin, arrive in Sacramento today to assess the city's viability as a home market for the Kings. Mayor Kevin Johnson and community leaders "will seek to convince the league that Sacramento has the financial wherewithal to support the Kings – including getting a new sports and entertainment arena built" (SACRAMENTO BEE, 4/21). The next two days are "pivotal" for efforts to keep the Maloofs from moving the team to Anaheim. There are "strong indications" that the family is "facing enough opposition to the move to force them back to Sacramento" (SI.com, 4/20).

The United Auburn Indian Community announced a pledge of $1M to help keep the Kings from moving, marking a "significant victory" for Mayor Johnson (SACRAMENTO BEE, 4/21). An editorial in the BEE states of Johnson, "It is encouraging to see him attempt to build a stronger regional base for supporting the Kings, since it is not just city residents who make up the team's fan base."