Source: WNBA’s Stars negotiating sale to Las Vegas buyer

By Doug Feinberg, Associated Press

Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017 | 7:35 p.m.

The San Antonio Stars are in negotiations to be sold and relocated, and a person with knowledge of the situation tells The Associated Press the buyer is based in Las Vegas.

The team announced the discussions on Thursday night. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because neither the team nor the WNBA have disclosed information about the buyer.

"Negotiations with a potential buyer of the Stars team are ongoing," WNBA spokesperson Dina Skokos said in a statement. "Once those discussions are concluded, we will provide additional information."

The Stars are one of five pro teams owned and operated by Spurs Sports & Entertainment, including San Antonio's NBA team. The Stars released a statement on Twitter announcing the negotiations and offering their "deepest gratitude" to team employees and fans.

Any sale needs to be approved by the WNBA Board of Governors.

The franchise moved to San Antonio from Utah in 2003. Led by Becky Hammon, the Stars reached the WNBA Finals in 2008. The team has finished with the league's worst record each of the past three seasons. San Antonio has a talented young nucleus with Kayla McBride, Moriah Jefferson and Kelsey Plum.

The team also has the top chance to get the No. 1 pick in next year's WNBA draft.

Las Vegas has hosted the world's biggest boxing and mixed martial arts events for decades, but the growing desert gambling mecca has become a coveted target for professional team sports over the past few years.

The expansion Vegas Golden Knights began their first NHL season this month as the city's first franchise in a major North American pro sport. In March, the NFL formally approved the Oakland Raiders' relocation to Las Vegas by the 2020 season to occupy a proposed new stadium on the Las Vegas Strip.