There are still obstacles and some back-and-forth negotiating before any deal is finalized, sources said. They put the time frame for completion at longer than a week, but Comcast-Spectacor is poised to sell the franchise to a group of investors led by New York billionaire Joshua Harris.
The deal would be a 90 percent share of the franchise for about $280 million. The Sixers then would become a tenant at Comcast-Spectacor's Wells Fargo Center.
Snider would retain control of the Flyers, his NHL franchise.
"I don't think it's really a surprise to . . . anybody I know," said Sixers legend Billy Cunningham, who coached the Sixers when they won the 1983 NBA title. "There were rumors for years they were possibly selling the team. I know I heard it."
Cunningham coached through an ownership change. In 1981, Harold Katz bought the Sixers from Fitz Dixon.
"I was very fortunate from a coaching standpoint when Harold bought the team," Cunningham said. "He had one goal - to put out the best team possible on the court. And his goal always was to win a championship."
Brown said he felt similarly supported during Snider's tenure.
"I never felt Mr. Snider wasn't heavily engaged," said Brown, who coached the Sixers to the 2001 NBA Finals, which they lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in five games. "I know he loved the Flyers, but he was always there for us and me."
Brown said that if the new owners are committed to producing a good basketball product, the city would embrace them.
"I think if a new owner comes in here and is committed like Mr. Snider, they will be well-received," Brown said.
Workouts continue
Despite the uncertainty clouding the business side of the franchise, on Wednesday the basketball operations continued with business as usual by holding two predraft workouts. Sources have insisted that business negotiations will not interfere with basketball operations.
