Efforts by the Atlanta Spirit ownership group to sell a majority stake in the Hawks have accelerated since the group’s sale of the Thrashers last month.

People familiar with the process say representatives of a potential buyer are currently doing due diligence –- examining financial records –- as the process moves toward an anticipated offer and more detailed negotiations for the basketball team and Philips Arena operating rights.

The people familiar with the situation would not identify the potential bidder because of confidentiality agreements, but they described the process as “moving fast.” They said no offer or exclusive negotiating agreement is in place but that the potential bidder, who might have partners, has the financial wherewithal to complete a transaction.

According to one of the people familiar with the talks, the potential buyer is “pushing very, very hard" and has accountants and lawyers working on the matter.