Last week, Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson reached out to leaders across the greater Sacramento region to organize efforts toward keeping the Kings. Today, Yuba City Mayor John Dukes announced that he would like to lead the regional charge toward financing a new arena. Tony Bizjak of the Sac Bee has details:
Dukes said he expects to invite officials from Sacramento, El Dorado, Placer, Yolo, Yuba and Sutter counties to the meeting this week.
Dukes, who said he volunteered to head the effort, declined to say what financing plan the joint group might advance.
"I want to see us get a facility in this region to attract businesses and create jobs," Dukes said. "Long term, we need a world-class arena to support the Kings and other events. This is a regional facility and needs to be funded regionally."
In response, Johnson's spokesperson issued a statement saying the Sacramento mayor's complete focus is on the May 2 relocation filing deadline and that any discussion beyond keeping the Kings in town is premature right now.
According to News 10, NBA representatives will be in Sacramento again tomorrow when businesses are expected to make initial deposits on their Kings sponsorship commitments.
Visit Sactown Royalty for additional coverage on the Kings relocation saga.