A new proposal from 24/7 Fitness founder Mark Mastrov and billionaire Ron Burkle to purchase the Sacramento Kings and challenge a Seattle group has "a shot," according to a source.
"It's still a long shot, but the bid will be close enough to cause real debate," the source said.
The bid is "slightly lower" than the $341 million that the Chris Hansen-Steve Ballmer group has agreed to pay for the available 65 percent of the Kings, the source said.
Sacramento mayor Kevin Johnson made it clear that the city is still a strong presence to keep the Kings.
"We are still very much in this game," Johnson said in a speech. "I hope Seattle gets a team someday. Let me be crystal clear: It's not going to be this team. Not our team. No way."