TIM WHITMIRE of the Charlotte Observer reports: Charlotte Hornets co-owner George Shinn arrived in New Orleans Thursday, joining co-owner Ray Wooldridge's discussions with city, state and arena officials there about moving the NBA team to Louisiana.

Shinn toured possible practice facilities Thursday afternoon. When New Orleans reporters asked about moving the team, Shinn said: "I see a good possibility of it. Everything is very positive."

The owners are expected to decide within 10 days whether to apply for relocation or stay in Charlotte.

Another city wooing the Hornets, Norfolk, Va., could gain an edge in its recruitment efforts, the Virginian-Pilot is reporting. Meatpacking company Smithfield Foods is considering a deal to buy the naming-rights to an arena, a deal that could be worth $50 million over 20 years.

Three Charlotte businesses Monday offered $100 million in up-front money toward construction of an uptown arena. Wooldridge said he was not familiar with the offer.

"The proposal, if there is one, has not been presented to us," Wooldridge said. "That is a negotiation between the City Council and the business leaders and the press. We had made a proposal last year of what would be acceptable to us and what was acceptable to the city. It was turned down in a referendum. That's the last communication we've had with the city of Charlotte regarding a new coliseum ."