The NBA's appointed governor of the league-owned Hornets said Wednesday that he is nearly ready to begin negotiations with "a handful" of potential buyers who have expressed interest in purchasing the club and keeping it in Louisiana.

Jack Sperling, who was appointed by commissioner David Stern to oversee the Hornets when the NBA bought the club last December, said the franchise has made substantial progress toward securing the revenue streams necessary to remain in New Orleans long-term.

"We have improved the financial situation of the team, and now we're getting ready to start to talk, to have serious dialogues ... with potential buyers," Sperling said Wednesday night while attending a social event aimed at boosting community support.