"NBA in Louisville a hit -- and worth another discussion."

Given the arena's obvious need of a tenant the caliber of an NA team, you'd think a renegotiation of the U of L sweetheart lease would be simple.

You'd think wrong, and that's too bad.

BOZICH | NBA in Louisville a hit -- and worth another discussion, by Rick Bozich (WDRB)

 ... Let's have some fun and fuss about the oldest and most vibrantly divisive sports topic in this town:

Should Kentuckiana get serious about pursuing an NBA team? Louisville is one of 11 Top 50 Nielsen markets without a professional team.

Let me make one thing perfectly clear. Chances are this will not get past the talking and fussing stage. It's been stuck at that point since Louisville got stiffed in the NBA-ABA merger nearly four decades ago ...

 ... But we're just talking. Having fun. Trying to kick up a discussion.

Tomorrow: Tyler Allen on the benefits of the NBA in Kentucky, and an NBA2LOU Watch Party.

At Insider Louisville, we learn that none other than Tyler Allen, co-creator of 8684, is on the professional basketball side of the discussion.

IdeaMornings presenting 8664 founder Tyler Allen weighing in on NBA in Louisville

This promises to be extremely interesting.

Louisville-based businessman Tyler Allen, is scheduled to speak on bringing a National Basketball Association team to Louisville at the IdeaMornings meeting this Fri., Nov. 30 at the iHub.

From the IdeaMornings synopsis:

Tyler Allen is a Louisville businessman, owner of USA Image Technologies, Inc. and co-founder of the 8664 movement. Tyler will be talking about the benefits – intangible included – of bringing an NBA team to Kentucky. There has been a lot of recent discussion on this topic and we look forward to hosting this event and hearing more ideas from the community.

Meanwhile, there's a whole slate of NBA (and ABA) themed activities at Bearno's by the Bridge, as reported (again) by Insider Louisville.

NBA2Lou: Bring the NBA to Louisville Facebook group hosting panel panel discussion Friday at Bearno’s by the Bridge

Think there’s no mass enthusiasm/momentum for bringing pro sports to Louisville?

We know different.

Every time Insider Louisville has an NBA-related post, the IL web traffic disco ball always spins.

So here we go again.

Friday evening, the Bring the NBA to Louisville Facebook group is hosting an event.

The question is, will Metro Mayor Greg Fischer and Louisville businessman Junior Bridgeman, the two most crucial NBA-to-Louisville boosters, attend?

Find out at Bearno’s by the Bridge at 131 W. Main St., right next to the KFC Yum! Center at the corner of Second and Main Streets.