Seattle officials, led by hedge-fund multimillionaire Christopher Hansen, are growing increasingly optimistic that the city will approve an acceptable financing plan for a new arena, according to emails and documents released Friday.

"Thanks for spending the time today guys," Hansen wrote in a June 16 email to Julie McCoy, chief of staff to Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn, and Ethan Raup, the mayor's director of policy and operations.

"I really appreciate it and look forward to making this happen in Seattle," wrote Hansen, a multimillionaire who built a fortune in the private investment world. "I genuinely mean that and am confident that with a little effort and creativity we can find a solution that meets our needs and the City's /State's desire to get a team back to Seattle without a large public outlay."

Hansen hopes to buy an NBA team and build an arena south of Safeco Field, which is home to the Seattle Mariners.

Documents show Hansen has been following developments in Sacramento, where city officials must approve a financing plan for a new arena by a March 1 deadline to keep the Kings from relocating.

If Sacramento fails to approve a workable financing plan, the Kings could be playing in Seattle next fall if the city and Hansen reach an agreement, according to one Seattle City Hall source with knowledge of the situation.