With a new-look lineup on the court, the Milwaukee Bucks are awash in optimism this season.

One missing link, however, is the matter of a lease between the Bradley Center and the Bucks. Although the sides are close, final agreement on what is likely a five-year deal is expected soon.

"We're inching closer," said Bucks vice president Ron Walter, declining to discuss details of the deal, expected to be guaranteed for three years with an option for two more.

The Bradley Center board met Wednesday, and a center official said the framework of a deal was in place for a formal announcement.

Under the previous lease, the Bucks did not pay any rent and received a significant share of event revenues. The new lease is expected to continue that arrangement, and would likely be enhanced in light of new efforts by the Bradley Center board to generate more food and concession revenue for all of the center's tenants. In the fiscal year ending June 30, 2004, the Bradley Center gave the Bucks more than $6 million in direct and indirect payments.