Hey World!

Today’s BD’s Saturday SHOUT OUT goes out to Mark Mastrov and Ron Burkle who submitted a strong and competitive bid to keep the Kings in Sacramento. This has been a HUGE story in the Sacramento Region over the last 2 years or so. Will the Kings stay in Sacramento or find a new home? Most people in Sacramento love the Kings and want them to stay; even though they have not been doing very well the past few years.

Mastrov is the founder of 24 hour fitness and Burkle is a billionare and co-owner of the NHL’s Pittsburg Penguins. Burkle recently bought an island; no big deal I was planning on buying one in a few years too. Sacramento’s Mayor and former NBA player, Kevin Johnson, has spent the last 2 years doing everything he possibly can to keep the Kings in Sacramento; meeting with NBA commissioner Stern, NBA owners, business owners in Sacramento, etc. He believes that Sacramento has put forward the best bid and will be awarded the bid in mid April.

I grew up a Kings fan and watching some phenomenal seasons and rivalries with the Lakers. This is when the Kings had Mike Bibby, Bobby Jackson, Chris Webber, Vlade Divac, Peja Stojakovic, Brad Miller, Doug Christi, etc. The games were always exciting, sold out and Arco Arena (now Sleep Train Arena) was known as one of the loudest places to play in the NBA. 

The Kings relocated to Sacramento in 1985 from Kansas City. If Mastrov and Burkle are awarded the bid to keep the Kings in Sacramento, they will build a new arena in the Sacramento’s Downtown Plaza; which has been hurting economically with many businesses shutting down. Their hopes is that this will not only bring more attention back to the Kings but re-establish the popular Downtown Plaza. 

It is now a waiting game; until April 19th, when the NBA Board of Governors meet and vote to see if they will accept Seattle’s bid or Sacramento’s. So the million dollar question is….Will the Kings stay in Sacramento or relocate to Seattle? I am hoping it is stay in Sacramento!

Have a great weekend!