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THE NBL is expected to announce tomorrow that the Sydney Kings will return for the upcoming 2008-2009 season.
Two groups have made submissions seeking to take over the Kings' licence relinquished last month and the league will vote on the rival bids tonight.The decision is expected to be made public tomorrow.
While potential saviours of the Brisbane Bullets failed, the Kings are understood to be almost across the line.
There are still some final details the NBL requires to be fully satisfied the successful bidder can run a team, but it is anticipated one will be granted the licence for the coming season starting in September.
One bid is being headed by former Kings owner Harry Cousens and his business partner Dorry Kordahi, who both have basketball backgrounds.
The other, headed by businessman Paul Lindholm, has better financial backing without the hands-on knowledge of the NBL.
As Cousens puts it, the league has to decide between "the pocket or the brain".
"It really is a two-horse race with quite different propositions," Cousens said.
"The other bid I understand is very well funded, but not really ready to run yet.
"Ours is basketball guys who have complied with all the requirements the league needs as far as capitalisation and all the due diligence we've provided.
"We're also well connected with the players and the coaching staff.
"I can't answer how the league's going to vote with whether it's the pocket or the brain."
There are still issues to be resolved regarding the name, logo and team colours, with liquidators still sifting through the mess left by former owner Tim Johnston.
But both bids are confident they are ready to run the team.
NBL chief executive Chuck Harmison and board member Seamus McPeake will nominate their preferred bid to the NBL participants - Basketball Australia and the other NBL clubs - who will have the final vote on the two bids.
The only reason neither would be anointed is if any required financial information isn't forthcoming, or if the participants decide it isn't necessary to have a second Sydney team for the 2008-09 season alongside the West Sydney Razorbacks.
The new Kings group would likely only have the licence for one season, with the NBL to undergo a restructuring for the 2009-10 campaign.
The league offered a swift "no comment" when asked about the issue today, saying they will make an announcement in 24 hours.
But, when Cousens was asked if he believes the Kings will be revived, he replied: "Yep. I'm hopeful the league will issue a licence tonight to somebody.
"The reason Dorry and myself started this process, first and foremost we really believe in the team and want to see Sydney have the Kings.
"It's a sporting icon that shouldn't die."
It is expected former players Jason Smith, BJ Carter, Luke Kendall and Cam Tovey would be part of the new franchise, along with coach Bill Tomlinson.
It would split home games between the Sydney Entertainment Centre and the State Sports Centre in Homebush.
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