[Repeal 16-17]

If the other NBA owners vote to force him to sell, and he refuses to actually sell the team, they could just strip him of his franchise - he woud still own the facilities, etc., but he would no longer own an NBA franchise.

Then the better term would be "franchisee" with the NBA being the franchisor. What is the limiting factor? Can the NBA Board of Governors (the "owners") always expel an owner for any reason not prohibited by law? If yes, then each owner will live in fear of his fellow owners. Dallas Mavericks Owner Mark Cuban realizes the dangerous precedent that has been set. How about the other owners/franchisees?

[Scoutmaster]

Can the NBA Board of Governors (the "owners") always expel an owner for any reason not prohibited by law?

No, just for the reasons specified in Paragraph 13 of the NBA Constitution.