Sacramento Kings fan Jericka Hale, center, shows her support for her team with Bryan Oliver, left, and Chelsea Williams during an NBA basketball game against the Phoenix Suns in Sacramento, Calif., Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013. The Maloof family, majority owners of the team, have announced they have signed an agreement to sell the Kings to a Seattle Group led by investor Chris Hansen. AP
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Billionaire Ron Burkle has taken his interests in the Sacramento Kings all the way to the top.
An NBA spokesman confirmed Burkle talked for two hours with Commissioner David Stern at the league’s New York offices Thursday. No further details of the meeting were given.
USA Today first reported the meeting Friday.
A person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press earlier this week that Burkle, a Southern California-based businessman and co-owner of the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins, was in ”serious talks” with 24 Hour Fitness founder Mark Mastrov to collaborate on a counteroffer for the Kings. The Maloof family already has a signed agreement to sell the Kings to a group that intends to move the franchise to Seattle.
The NBA Board of Governors must approve any sale.