Herb Kohl says nothing finalized after rumors swirl of possible Bucks sale



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The Wisconsin Badgers weren't the only Wisconsin basketball team making headlines this weekend. Several national reports said the Milwaukee Bucks were on the verge of being sold. On Sunday, April 6th, Milwaukee Bucks Owner Herb Kohl responded to the rumors.

Kohl says despite rumors of a sale, the Bucks franchise remains in his hands.

"It's an ongoing process. Nothing has been finalized. I don't know how it's going to turn out exactly, but I'm very encouraged by how it's gone so far, and I'm looking forward to a positive result," Kohl said.

Kohl says his focus is on getting a new facility to replace the BMO Harris Bradley Center -- and on finding new investors, but he says so far, nothing is final.

"I couldn't predict when a deal might be consummated -- only that they and I are working hard along with the NBA, the league office, Commissioner Adam Silver, but there's nothing to report in terms of a deal being reached," Kohl said.

At the BMO Harris Bradley Center on Saturday, talk of a possible sale was stoked by reports on Twitter and by futility on the court.

"The attendance is kind of low," Gloria Harmon said.

"Obviously the team has to play a lot better," David Croysdale said.

As the rumors swirled, season ticket holder Robbie Crum could barely contain his excitement.

"It can't get any worse, it can only get better, so let's go ahead and sell off and try something different," Crum said.

Croysdale says he has had season tickets for as long as he can remember, and he believes the Bucks are here to stay.

"I don't think Herb Kohl's going to sell the Bucks," Croysdale said.

Kohl says his goal is a deal that keeps the Bucks in Milwaukee -- in a new arena.

"I'm hopeful that things are going to turn out well, that the Bucks will remain in Wisconsin, we'll get to a new facility and we'll have another generation of NBA basketball and entertainment for the people of our state," Kohl said.

Kohl has owned the Milwaukee Bucks since 1985.