Grizzlies Could Reveal Choice Soon

The future home of the Vancouver Grizzlies could be revealed as soon as Thursday, when NBA Commissioner David Stern and Vancouver owner Michael Heisley are scheduled to meet in New York.

Heisley met Sunday with chief corporate counsel Stan Meadows and Andy Dolich, the Grizzlies’ president of business operations, to discuss bids submitted by Anaheim, New Orleans, Louisville, Ky., and Memphis, Tenn. By Thursday, after a round of follow-up talks, Heisley could present--and defend--his choice to Stern.

“We’re still evaluating our situation,” Heisley said. “We have questions with all of the cities. We’re still talking to the people in Anaheim.”

Heisley must apply to the NBA to move his team by next Monday. A majority of NBA owners must approve a proposed move.

While NBA officials look favorably upon Memphis, Heisley is not likely to move there without a commitment for a new arena. Corporate leaders there pitched a $200-million arena after Heisley’s visit last week but have yet to explain how it will be paid for. In contrast, Louisville’s bid details city and state funding available for a $200-million arena there. Anaheim and New Orleans already have arenas.

While Heisley wants local investors wherever he moves, he is not likely to negotiate the sale of minority ownership stakes before applying for relocation. Those stakes are expected to be small, and investigation of potential minority owners could delay NBA approval of the move.

“We probably won’t have that done by the time we make the application,” he said.