Anaheim Makes Desperation Offer To Convince NBA To Allow Sacramento Kings Relocation

In a saga with no shortage of bombshells, Randy Youngman of the Orange County Register reported late Thursday that Anaheim Ducks owner Henry Samueli, who has been trying to get an NBA team to play at the Honda Center, an arena he operates, has upped the ante in his bid to draw the Sacramento Kings. Samueli reportedly increased his personal loan to the Maloof family, owners of the Kings, from $50 million to $75 million, and will fund $70 million in arena renovations as opposed to the $25 million previously ordered.

Youngman also boasts of a six-year TV deal worth $24 million annually -- more than double the Kings' current deal in Sacramento -- and substantial corporate sponsorship revenue. But despite all of that, the NBA's relocation committee, headed by Oklahoma City Thunder owner Clay Bennett, told the Maloofs on Wednesday that they will be recommending the full NBA Board of Governors reject a move to Anaheim, should the Maloofs file by the May 2 deadline.