Hansen Not Giving Up on Returning The Sonics to Seattle

AP) — The Sacramento Kings finally appear to be staying put in California's capital city. The NBA's relocation committee voted unanimously Monday to recommend that owners reject the application for the Kings to relocate to Seattle. All 30 NBA owners will meet the week of May 13 to vote on the matter.

Moments after the league announced the committee's recommendation, Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnston wrote on Twitter: "That's what I'm talking about SACRAMENTO!!!!! WE DID IT!!!!!"

The Maloof family reached an agreement in January to sell a 65 percent controlling interest in the team to a group led by investor Chris Hansen, who wants to move the team to Seattle.

Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn pledged that his city will continue to fight for an NBA team.Hansen pledged to "move forward with the transaction" he signed with the Maloof family to buy and move the franchise anyway. In a post on his Seattle arena website late Monday night, Hansen said he plans to pitch the NBA Board of Governors at its May meeting, when league owners will vote.

Associated Press