Updated

ATLANTA (AP) - The Thrashers say they're still pursuing new ownership to keep the team in Atlanta amid persistent reports that the financially troubled franchise is on the verge of moving to Winnipeg.

The Thrashers are now in the spotlight after officials in suburban Phoenix agreed to subsidize the Coyotes for another year while they try to work out a deal with a prospective owner.

Atlanta co-owner Bruce Levenson told The Associated Press that keeping the team in Atlanta remains the preferred option. Mayor Kasim Reed's office is assisting in the ownership search. But no one has come forward with a viable offer to buy the team.

There appears to be a standing offer from Winnipeg to bring a team back to the Canadian city, which lost the Jets to Phoenix in the 1990s.