Sacramento Arena Talks Progress But Still Work To Be Done
ORLANDO (CBS13) — Sacramento officials met with NBA representatives for four hours on Saturday during the All-Star Weekend in Orlando and were told the city "has done its part" toward getting a new downtown facility built.
But Commissioner David Stern later cautioned that the groups are not there yet.
An arena task force spokesman in the meeting said it went very well, and that Sacramento has done it's part to deliver a plan to the NBA for a new sports and entertainment facility in the downtown railyards.
The key detail still to be worked out appears to be how much money the Maloof family, owners of the Sacramento Kings, will contribute toward the arena, projected to cost $387 million or more.
Sources tell CBS13 the Maloofs will be asked for $70-$90 million.
Stern held a 4 p.m. "state of the league" press conference Saturday in which he sounded a bit less optimistic. When asked about the arena talks, he said there are several key points that won't necessarily be bridged during their next meeting on Sunday but that they'll do their best in order to meet the March 1 deadline for a financing plan to be in place.
"We have several remaining points that will not necessarily be guaranteed to be bridged, but we're going to give it our best shot tomorrow," he said.
When asked about the Maloof's contribution being a particular sticking point, he said, "Life is a negotiation. In fairness to the Maloofs, if there's a deal, they're making a substantial contribution."
CBS13's Koula Gianulias asked Stern if he was satisfied with efforts by the Maloofs and the city toward the new arena and he played it neutral.
"The Maloofs have stepped up. The city has stepped up," he said. "We're having very intense conversations. I'm most impressed by both sides. We're going to see if we can bridge both gaps. I think both sides deserve it, particularly the city of Sacramento."
After Stern's press conference, Mayor Kevin Johnson spoke with CBS13 live from Orlando and said Sunday will be critical. The Maloofs are expected be involved in the talks for the first time since the process began last May, and Commissioner Stern, who had been negotiating on the family's behalf, will also attend the meeting.
"Tomorrow is a big day," Johnson said. "I've been looking forward to it for a long time. We want to remain an NBA city. The city of Sacramento should be very proud."
If a financing package is agreed upon by March 1, the City Council is scheduled to vote on the plan March 6.
