Heat Near Deal to Stay in Miami Through 2040 Season

There will be players taking their talents to South Beach for years to come.

Just before the Miami Heat tipped off a Game 2 battle against the Charlotte Bobcats on Wednesday, the team's official Twitter feed shared some good news:

Team owner Micky Arison posted an open letter on NBA.com, saying:

"

As the Miami HEAT embarks on its historical quest for a fourth straight appearance in the NBA Finals and our third consecutive NBA Championship, I am happy to announce that we have come to an agreement with Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez, subject to the approval of the Board of County Commissioners, to extend our partnership with Miami-Dade County for an additional 10 years and remain at the County-owned AmericanAirlines Arena through the 2040 NBA season. We make this agreement with Miami-Dade County proudly as we finalize our commitment to remaining in the Magic City.

"

He went on to detail the economic impact the deal will have on both the team and county, and said the vote by the Board of County Commissioners is set for May 6.

Approval will not only keep the Heat in Miami, but in AmericanAirlines Arena as well. It's the building that's housed the team since 1999, when it was opened and replaced the Miami Arena in which the Heat previously played.

The franchise has been in Miami for the entirety of its 26-year existence, which kicked off with the 1988-89 season. Since its inception, the team has been to the playoffs 17 times, winning three titles in 2006, 2012 and 2013.

Maintaining that level of consistency and success through 2040 will be tough, but the organization certainly has a head start.

Miami is one of the favorites to win the NBA championship again this year, and according to Matt Pineda of Hot Hot Hoops, Arison recently told 790 The Ticket in Miami that there is a "100 percent" chance the Big Three of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh will be back next season.

Andy Bailey covers the NBA for Bleacher Report.

Follow @AndrewDBailey