The NBA is trying to intervene in the lawsuit between former Sonics' owner Harold Schultz and the Oklahoma City franchise, saying that the lawsuit could interfere with the stable operation of the franchise, the Associated Press is reporting.

Schultz is trying to reverse his 2006 sale of the NBA franchise to Clay Bennett, claiming the Oklahoma City businessman failed to follow through on a promise to negotiate in good faith to keep the team in Seattle.

The league filed a motion Tuesday to intervene in Schultz's lawsuit in Seattle's federal court. It asks for the chance to present oral arguments in the case, which has not yet been scheduled for a trial.

"The process for approving new owners is critically important to the success and long-term stability of the NBA as it ensures that the proposed owner will conduct the operations of the team only in conformity with the rules and regulations of the league and will possess the economic resources and managerial skills to the successful operation of a member of the NBA," Richard W. Buchanan, the league's vice president and general counsel, wrote in a court filing to support the motion.

Via Seattle Times

Oklahoma City

Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Buy Tickets