SCOTT DODD AND TIM WHITMIRE of the Charlotte Observer report: Hornets co-owner Ray Wooldridge told New Orleans reporters on Thursday that he's confident the team will meet its ticket-sales goals today. The goals were to have 8,000 season tickets, 2,450 club seats, and 54 luxury suites.

But Memphis Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley, who last year moved his team out of Vancouver, said it will take more than ticket sales to win over the owners and NBA Commissioner David Stern.

"I know that David Stern does not like to see franchises relocate," Heisley told The Observer. "I think everyone associated with the NBA sees it as a failure."

Heisley's comments echoed those made by Seattle SuperSonics owner Howard Schultz earlier this week. Schultz told the Sports Business Daily that the request to move by Wooldridge and majority owner George Shinn reflects poorly on the league. Phoenix Suns Chairman Jerry Colangelo acknowledged significant opposition to the move within the NBA.

Wooldridge responded by saying Schultz's words didn't serve a "good purpose."

"The facts are, we want to relocate to New Orleans, and we're going to make it happen," he told the Sports Business Daily. "... Based on what I read, another owner should not be making those comments."

All the activity is leading up to a visit by Stern, other NBA officials and a relocation committee made up of seven owners to New Orleans next week. Headed by Colangelo, the committee will make a recommendation on the move by the end of the month.

A majority of the league's 29 teams would have to approve the move for it to go forward. The owners will vote in early April.

Heisley said the recommendation from Stern and the relocation committee will likely sway his decision and the other owners.

"Whichever way that comes in," he said, "I would be surprised if the majority of owners do not vote with David."