The Maloof family earlier this year pushed to move the Kings to Anaheim. But under a reprieve from the NBA, Sacramento has until March 1, 2012, to have funding secured.

Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson’s arena task force toured the suburbs last week in a bid to gain regional support for a new downtown sports and entertainment facility starting with the 2015 season. The task force faces a 100-day timeline to develop a funding proposal.

Johnson said he spoke with Stern on Monday, the halfway point, and outlined the findings of a new study commissioned by the mayor's arena task force. The study found that the project would put about $7 billion into the regional economy over its 30-year life. Johnson said he also outlined the regional bus tour last week and the emphasis on project jobs.

"He was positively inclined," Johnson said of the commissioner's response to the conversation.

Johnson said at the end of the 100 days - Sept. 8 - he will "let him (Stern) know we will look at a menu of options, both public and private."