David Stern said Sacramento has a chance of keeping the Kings, beating a bid from a group that intends to relocate the team to Seattle.

"Oh, certainly it's plausible to me, but I don't have a vote," Stern said. "But I expect the owners to have a very open mind on this. And it isn't plausible yet to talk about it until the predicates have been fulfilled."

Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson has asked for and been granted a chance to deliver a competing offer, which is expected by March 1.

Stern was asked if the decision will come down strictly to the arena deal.

"This is strictly about what the owners decide," he said. "There's a great and strong application from a terrific city to bring in a third and possibly a fourth team in a brand-new building, well-financed ownership group, without the ability yet to build, because there are several things that have to be overcome. But that's really good. So if you're a commissioner, you like that."