Lawsuit jeopardizing Pistons' move into new downtown arena

The Detroit Pistons were looking to begin their upcoming season in a new arena, but a lawsuit requiring Detroit residents to vote on necessary funding for construction of the Little Caesars Arena might put a wrench in those plans.

The lawsuit was originally filed June 1 on the premise that the "project should not be funded with public dollars without a vote of Detroit residents," according to the Detroit Free Press. Receiving public funding, though, was a "condition of the team's agreement," according to Palace Sports and Entertainment Chief Financial Officer Greg Campbell.

Should the issue of public funding persist in a lengthy courtroom battle, Campbell admitted that the NBA could withhold the Pistons' ability to move into their new home "if all legal and financing matters are not settled" prior to the NBA's July 11 board meeting.

The cost of the new arena has reportedly risen $400 million from its initial $450-million assessment.

A ruling on the necessity for a public vote is expected before Detroit's City Council meeting on Tuesday - the outcome of which could help pave the way for bonds in the amount of $34.5 million to support the team's relocation.