BUFFALO, N.Y. — Former Buffalo Sabres owner Tom Golisano has entered the running to purchase the Buffalo Bills.

A person familiar with the sale process confirmed to The Associated Press on Thursday that Golisano submitted a non-binding bid to Morgan Stanley, the firm overseeing the sale. The person spoke anonymously because the sale is private.

The Buffalo News first reported Golisano’s entry.

The Bills are on the market after Hall of Fame owner Ralph Wilson died in March.

Golisano’s addition came as the process moved into the next phase after Bills officials began meeting with prospective ownership groups that had already submitted non-binding bids.

Two other people familiar with the process said New York real estate mogul Donald Trump was first up, attending a lengthy financial presentation in the Detroit area on Wednesday.

Current Sabres owners Terry and Kim Pegula, and a Toronto-based group fronted by rocker Jon Bon Jovi are also scheduled to attend presentations.

Formal bids are expected within three weeks. A prospective owner is expected to be identified by the end of next month and then presented to NFL owners for approval at league meetings in early October.

Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly and his brother Dan Kelly, have also been invited to a presentation. Though the Kellys have expressed interest, it’s unclear if they have submitted a bid or have joined another ownership group.

CARDINALS: Arizona released linebacker Ernie Sims, an eight-year veteran signed as a free agent Dec. 24.

Sims was a first-round draft pick by the Detroit Lions in 2006.

PANTHERS: Coach Ron Rivera said he’s unsure if quarterback Cam Newton will play in the preseason opener Friday against Buffalo. Newton, who had surgery on his left ankle in March, did not participate in drills during practice Thursday. Rivera said he’ll likely make a decision after Newton meets with trainer Ryan Vermillion.

TEXANS: Owner Bob McNair, 77, said in a news conference Thursday he’s gotten a clean bill of health after a 10-month battle with two forms of cancer.

WASHINGTON: The University of Minnesota says it is working with the Vikings to keep Washington’s nickname from being used when the teams play on campus in November.

The university president, Eric Kaler, gave the assurances in a letter to U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum, a Democrat who has said use of the name would violate school policies on equity and diversity.

The Vikings are playing home games at TCF Bank Stadium the next two seasons while their new stadium is being built.

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