SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson announced to screaming throngs of Kings fans Friday that the deal to sell the NBA franchise to a group led by software tycoon Vivek Ranadive has been signed. The announcement at a City Hall rally brings to an end nearly five months of manoeuvring by Johnson to secure a new ownership group, convince the council to commit to building a new downtown arena, and to show the NBA that the capitol city of the most populous state in the nation has the fan base to make the venture successful. "This was one heck of a comeback," Johnson, a former NBA All-Star, said on a stage shared with two dozen investors, fans and politicians who had worked to keep the franchise in the city. Earlier this week, NBA owners rejected a bid to move the franchise to Seattle. Investor Chris Hansen, whose agreement to buy the team from the Maloof family and move them to the Pacific Northwest shocked the city in January, fought to acquire the team to the bitter end. He even negotiated to buy a minority share when it became clear the league opposed relocation. Johnson said that the deal reached between the Maloofs and the Ranadive group did not include an investment from Hansen. NBA Commissioner David Stern praised Hansens proposal and said the NBA might consider expansion once a new TV deal is in place. The mayor was conciliatory toward Seattle, but said he focused throughout the negotiations on promoting Sacramento as thriving city with 19 sellout seasons, one of the longest streaks in the NBA. "Seattle is a great city and we want them to get a team. For us, it was never a competition. It was about our community telling our story," Johnson said, adding: "Its about not letting someone take something thats not theirs." The NBA is expected to officially approve the sale next week. A person familiar with the deal previously told The Associated Press that the Maloofs had reached an agreement to sell a 65 per cent controlling interest at a total franchise valuation of $535 million. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because they werent authorized to talk publicly. The plan for the Kings future includes a $447 million downtown arena that will be built on at the western gateway to the city near the Sacramento River. The Sacramento ownership group also includes 24 Hour Fitness founder Mark Mastrov, former Facebook senior executive Chris Kelly and the Jacobs family that owns communications giant Qualcomm. Kobe Bryant Womens Jersey . -- Four months removed from off-season hip surgery, Pirates starter Charlie Morton is in camp with his teammates, hes throwing without limitations, and hes as eager as anyone to see this new-look team take the field. Julius Randle Jersey . Santana is going to have an MRI on his back Tuesday, putting in jeopardy his scheduled start against the Colorado Rockies two days later. http://www.shoplakerson... . Stalberg scored two goals, Corey Crawford made 37 saves and the Blackhawks beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-1. Marian Hossa added a goal and an assist, and Patrick Sharp also scored for the Blackhawks, who are 9-1-1 in their last 11 games and lead the NHL with 50 points. [url=http://www.shoplakersonline.com/Kobe-Bryant-Jersey/]Kobe Bryant Youth Jersey . Three artists were named as finalists to design the statue. They will present their designs to Russell himself and the Bill Russell Legacy Committee in the fall. "We are proud to play a role in paying tribute to one of the greatest champions the sports world has ever seen," said Stephen Pagliuca, Celtics co-owner and president of the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation. Jordan Clarkson Jersey . Met stood near the podium with baseball Commissioner Bud Selig, Mets owner Fred Wilpon and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. INDIANAPOLIS -- Will Power suffered a broken vertebra in the 15-car pileup that killed two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon. Power was among the cars involved in the accident in the IndyCar season finale Oct. 16 at Las Vegas. He was released from a hospital after the accident with no evidence of significant injury. But Penske Racing says more tests on Monday in Indianapolis revealed a compression fracture of his fourth thoracic vertebra.dddddddddddd IndyCar orthopedic specialist Dr. Terry Trammell says Power will recover with rest and rehabilitation. Penske Racing says Power hopes to be begin testing the 2012 IndyCar in the coming weeks. cheap nfl jerseys wholesale jerseys cheap jerseys cheap jerseys wholesale jerseys ' ' '