There's been a shake-up in the proposed ownership group that would keep the Kings in Sacramento, according to a report from the Sacramento Bee. Local developer Mark Friedman will be taking the place of Ron Burkle, who will focus on developing the area around what would be a new downtown arena.
Mark Friedman joining proposed Sacramento ownership group, according to report
The local developer will take the place of Ron Burkle, who had to withdraw due to a potential conflict of interest.
More: Sactown Royalty Sonics Rising
Burkle, a billionaire from Southern California who also co-owns the Pittsburgh Penguins, has been one of the most prominent figures involved in the effort to keep the Kings in Sacramento. However, his stake in Relativity Sports, a management firm that represents several NBA players, forced him to drop out of the proposed ownership group.
Friedman, the son of prominent philanthropists from the Sacramento area, should be able to make up for losing the financial muscle that Burkle provided. In an interview with the Bee, mayor Kevin Johnson said that he didn’t think the ownership changes would affect the NBA’s decision about the franchise one way or the other.
More from SB Nation:
See More:
