MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - The future of the Memphis Grizzlies is not so clear. With a California billionaire's financial stability in question, a local group could step up and buy the Grizzlies. It's certainly the hope of a lot of Memphis fans.
One week ago Grizzlies fans were dying to know more about California billionaire and potential new owner of the grizzlies, Robert Pera.
Since then his finances have taken a major hit and now there's talk the NBA may not seal the deal.
Little is known about Robert Pera; he's kept his mouth shut since the $350 million deal with Grizzlies majority owner, Michael Heisley, was announced.
Memphis Grizzlies studio host, Gary Darby, says there are still a lot of questions about the billionaire's intentions with the team.
"Until it's approved and until we know it is going to be him, I don't know if I were him if I'd be saying much either at this point."
Forbes magazine is reporting that if Pera's deal falls through a group of local owners will step in and buy the team.
"The names are the same that are involved now as minority owners," Darby said.
92.9 sports producer David Basham says calls have been coming in all day from concerned Memphians.
"The group of people that came out, their names have been in play for years," he said. "It's not the first time it came out but it's the first time it's saying if this Pera deal doesn't work out there might be a substitute or someone else that can fill in a local group."
The NBA should make its decision about the Pera deal in the next month. The Grizzlies haven't said anything about another buyer.
"I do think it's an actual option. Whether or not it comes to fruition, time will tell," Basham said.
Heisley has unsuccessfully tried to sell the Grizzlies for years and in March, his attempt to buy the Los Angeles Dodgers failed.
