Oklahoma City businessman forms group seeking stake in NBA franchise

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- An Oklahoma City businessman is forming a group of investors in an effort to bring an NBA team to the city permanently.<br/><br/>The New Orleans Hornets are playing most of their

Friday, February 10th 2006, 10:38 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- An Oklahoma City businessman is forming a group of investors in an effort to bring an NBA team to the city permanently.

The New Orleans Hornets are playing most of their home games in Oklahoma City this year and next year because of hurricane damage in New Orleans.

Clayton Bennett says the group would like to form a partnership with Hornets owner George Shinn if the Hornets remain in Oklahoma City. If the Hornets return to New Orleans the group hopes to bring another NBA franchise to the city.

There could be an NBA club on the market soon.

Seattle SuperSonics owner Howard Schultz has said he'll sell the Sonics unless there are extensive renovations made to the arena where they play -- or a new arena is built.

Bennett and Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett say they haven't spoken to anyone from the Sonics.