"From what we know, we're not prospective owners at this time," he said.

With the cap, old and prospective new owners had a chance to project their costs.

And it's always a good idea to find out if prospective owners have any money behind their big talk.

When a prospective owner does find one, it is extremely expensive.

For prospective owners, buying on line can also pose problems, say the advocates.

"Your purchase should be from the prospective owner," he said.

Most important might be an element beyond the prospective owners' control: the size of their television markets.

Perhaps someone will build the arenas if the prospective owners can first pay the $50 million to get in the league.

But even some prospective owners who would like to preserve historic detail have little power to do so.

"Any prospective owner has to understand that if they pay enough for this, they're going to have to spend to make money on their investment."