MILWAUKEE -- The NBAs board of governors unanimously approved the sale Thursday of the Milwaukee Bucks to New York investment firm executives Wesley Edens and Marc Lasry, bringing the forlorn franchise one step closer to starting a new era. Josh Morrissey Jersey . Former U.S. senator Herb Kohl reached agreement with them last month for a price tag of about $550 million after they pledged to keep the team in Milwaukee. The NBA said Thursday in a statement that the transaction is expected to close shortly. The leagues expected approval comes days before the NBA holds its draft lottery. The Bucks, who had a league-worst 15 wins, have the best odds to get the No. 1 pick next week for Junes talent-rich draft. "The Bucks and their fans will benefit greatly from their vast business experience, energy and strong commitment to Milwaukee," commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. Lasry and Edens committed to providing $100 million to help build a new arena. Kohl also announced he would donate $100 million for a new facility to replace the BMO Harris Bradley Center, the teams downtown home, which opened in 1988. Edens had said he hoped to get a plan completed for a new arena in a year, and have it built in a couple of years. He thought it might take about $400 million to build a new facility, though the new owners might face a tricky task in seeking public funding if they dont get more private help. Kohl bought the Bucks for $18 million in 1985. The Milwaukee native, whose family owned a chain of department stores, was hailed as a hometown hero. Silver praised Kohl for his "unprecedented and historic financial gift toward the construction of a new Milwaukee arena and for his outstanding service to the league and his community over his nearly 30-year tenure." An injury-plagued season left the Bucks a franchise-worst 15-67. They have finished above .500 only three times since 2000, though Milwaukee did make the playoffs in 2012-13. The Bucks were swept in four games by Miami in the first round. With new owners and a 25 per cent chance to pick up the No. 1 pick in the draft, the Bucks face a defining off-season. Even if it doesnt win the lottery, Milwaukee cannot fall below the fourth pick in a draft stocked with top prospects, including Dukes Jabari Parker and Kansas Andrew Wiggins. Jansen Harkins Jersey . Fans holding laudatory signs started showing up at Yankee Stadium when the gates opened at 4 p.m. Monday, an hour early in order to give them a chance to watch the New York captain take batting practice. Tobias Enstrom Jersey .com) - The Kansas City Chiefs activated linebacker Joe Mays from short-term injured reserve on Saturday. http://www.hockeyjetsauthority.com/mathieu-perreault-jets-jersey-c-28/ . But its also a smart game. Theres more to the Kings than banging bodies. They take a toll mentally on their opponents.The 2014 World Cup in Brazil has seen its fair share of excitement over the last 15 days. A total of 133 goals have been scored and thats just been during group play. As the first stage of the tournament comes to an end, the bracket is finally set for the Round of 16. There have been no shortage of storylines to go along with these matches and so moving forward, how do you see the Round of 16 unfolding? Probably the team feeling the most pressure is Brazil. The host nation didnt win its group in dominant fashion. Despite that fact, Brazil have managed to create offence and have one of the best strikers in the tournament so far: Neymar. The 22-year-old is tied for the tournament lead in goals with four. Brazil, however, is in for a big test against Chile. Although Chile finished second in Group B, they have proven to have a great team dynamic led by Alexis Sanchez and Eduardo Vargas. These two teams are familiar with each other but Brazil has won nine of the last 10 meetings between the two nations. With both teams being from the same continent, its sure to be an exciting battle. Another all-South American match-up sees Colombia taking on Uruguay. Luis Suarez might have already overshadowed this game, but its still going to be a wild affair. Uruguay will be without their star striker because of suspension, and it might be a big blow for the squad ggiven that he has scored half of their goals. Joel Armia Jersey. On the other side, Colombia has gotten stronger as the tournament has gone on. Even without their star Falcao, Colombia went undefeated and will look to James Rodriguez to lead them to the quarterfinals. Another undefeated squad is the Netherlands. Theyve scored the most goals in the tournament with 10 and will look to add to that tally against Mexico. Led by Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben, the Dutch havent missed a beat from the squad in 2010 that finished as runners up to Spain. Mexico however has been one of the surprises of the tournament. They stumbled into Brazil after barely qualifying but have been one of the best teams so far, going undefeated in the group stage. What about the dark horses? No one saw Costa Rica coming out of their group period - let alone in first place - and they have so far shocked the world. They have been the surprise team of Brazil 2014 and can continue to be with a victory against Greece. But Greece has a strong defensive mindset that can shut any top offence down. Will that be enough to get them through? France, Argentina and Germany have also been impressive and have something to prove as well. Do they have what it takes to move on? Who do you see booking their ticket to the quarterfinals for a chance at World Cup gold? Its Your Call! White NFL Jerseys Cheap Youth NFL Jerseys China Wholesale Jerseys 2020 Stitched NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Autographed Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys Discount Jerseys ' ' '