CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- NBA owners have approved an agreement with Charlotte to build an arena if the city is awarded an expansion team.

The Hornets left Charlotte for New Orleans during the offseason after owners George Shinn and Ray Wooldridge failed to secure an agreement on an arena to replace the Charlotte Coliseum.

Owners gave their approval for the arena at a meeting on Oct. 8, The Charlotte Observer reported in Friday's editions. The league office confirmed the vote Friday.

City Council members are expected to vote on the arena proposal Nov. 11. If the city OKs the agreement, only a few steps remain before the NBA's return to Charlotte is finalized.

"All the big parameters are done,'' Charlotte city attorney Mac McCarley said. "We're at the details now.''

Under the deal, the NBA would choose owners and award the franchise by Jan. 12, when the city and league are scheduled to approve a final contract.

Three groups have emerged as potential owners: investor Steve Belkin's Boston-based group, which includes former Celtics star Larry Bird; former Black Entertainment Television owner Robert Johnson; and Miami Heat minority owner Bob Sturges.