Newark, N.J., Wants Another NBA Franchise Once Nets Leave, Mayor Says

The New York metro region once supported three Major League Baseball teams and currently supports three NHL franchises, plus a fourth upstate.

Can it sustain three NBA franchises as well?

Newark, N.J., Mayor Corey Booker put forth the idea in an interview with The Record of Bergen, N.J. Newark is losing its home team, the New Jersey Nets, who are planning to move to Brooklyn in 2012.

Booker would like to bring in a new tenant to share the Prudential Center, which opened in 2007, with the NHL's New Jersey Devils once the Nets leave.

One NBA franchise has been enough for Boston, but Booker said he feels he can attract an owner to the world's largest media market.

"There are definitely a number of teams struggling with their current arenas," Booker said in an interview with The Record. "That gives me signs of hope. I think it's an uphill battle, but I think it's a winnable battle."

The Sacramento Kings have been trying to move to Anaheim, Calif., and only recently promised to stay put through next season, and the New Orleans Hornets are consistent subjects of relocation rumors. The article also lists the Memphis Grizzlies, Atlanta Hawks, Minnesota Timberwolves and Charlott Bobcats as candidates for a move.

The Prudential Center will host the NBA Draft on Thursday night.