New Orleans Hornets team president Hugh Weber said now that the team has surpassed the 10,000-season ticket mark, it could have a new owner in the next 60 to 100 days.

"These deals are sometimes complicated," Weber said, "so there could be some issues that come up. But we have established a track record that, again, I think we'll get this done. Contingent upon any ownership transaction would be that the team is going to be here for the long term.

"Whether the group comes from this zip code or another, the transaction will be done making sure the team is here for the long haul."

Optimally, the Hornets will simultaneously announce a new owner or ownership group and a new lease agreement with the State of Louisiana, one that the team has stated emphatically will not have any escape clauses.