ANAHEIM, Calif., March 29 (UPI) -- The Sacramento Kings moved a step closer to Southern California Tuesday when the Anaheim City Council approved a bond measure to cover the costs.
The privately backed bonds will cover the Kings' relocation fees and construction of locker rooms and a practice facility at Honda Center.
The Los Angeles Times said the bonds would be backed by three companies controlled by Henry Samueli, the owner of the Anaheim Ducks.
The Kings have not officially announced they will relocate to Orange County, part of a greater Los Angeles market that already includes two Major League Baseball teams (Dodgers and Angels), two NBA teams (Lakers and Clippers) and two NHL teams (Ducks and Kings).
Sacramento officials urged the council to reject the bond plan on the grounds the Kings ownership might skip out on $77 million owed to the city. The Orange County (Calif.) Register said team co-owner Joe Maloof told the newspaper Monday the debt would be paid in full.
