The Kings One Step Closer To Moving South

Added on Mar 30, 2011 by Scott in

NBA

California is close to getting another NBA team. But it’s one they already have. Confused? Allow me to clear things up a bit. The Sacramento Kings could be relocating after the Anaheim city council approved a $75 million bond to help lure the floundering franchise south. The Kings have called Sac Town home since 1985, but have also also been located in Rochester, Cincinnati and Kansas City during their 66-year history.

Any move to Anaheim would result in a name change with the original moniker, Royals, a leading candidate. Anaheim Mayor Tom Tait is eager to add another professional sports team:

“A priority for our city was to make sure any new professional team that comes to Anaheim truly becomes part of our community,” Tait said. “We’ve included language in the agreement that ensures this team will have Anaheim and only Anaheim in the team name.”

I guess that means none of the shenanigans that went on with the California/Anaheim/Los Angeles Angels. Fingers crossed. The “new” Kings would play in the Honda Center, which will undergo $25 million in renovations from billionaire owner Henry Samueli.

The ball now shifts to Kings owners Joe and Gavin Maloof’s court. They have until April 18th to file the necessary documentation and must gain majority approval from the other 29 owners.

The real question remains: does Southern California need a third basketball franchise? With the Lakers and Clippers in such close proximity, finding a loyal fan base could prove challenging. Especially considering the Kings recent struggles. They haven’t finished over .500 since the 2005-06 season and are currently a disastrous 21-52.

Source: ESPN.com