The Detroit Pistons have decided to sell the team to Tigers and Red Wings owner Mike Ilitch, a person involved with the process said Tuesday.
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Tayshaun Prince #22 of the Detroit Pistons heads for the net as Paul Pierce #34 of the Boston Celtics.
The person, who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because of a confidentiality agreement, said both sides werenegotiating financial terms.
If the sale goes through, Ilitch would control of three of the city's four major professional sports teams.
Ilitch, the Little Caesars pizza mogul, said in August he wanted to buy the Pistons in part to make sure another buyer doesn't move the NBA club out of town. Forbes last year valued the team at $479 million.
Pistons owner Karen Davidson has said she was considering a sale of the team by itself or as part of a package with Palace Sports and Entertainment, which includes The Palace of Auburn Hills, DTE EnergyMusic Theatre and Meadow Brook Music Festival.
Her husband, Bill Davidson, died last year. The late owner was in charge when the Pistons won NBA titles in 1989, 1990 and 2004. Karen
Davidson has said she expected the deal to be done by this month's season-opening game.