The Buffalo Bills could identify a new owner within three months, a person familiar with the sale process told The Associated Press.

Two people have also told the AP that at least one prospective ownership group has already toured potential new stadium locations in Buffalo. Both people spoke on condition of anonymity because the sale process has not been made public.

The updated timetable has led Gov. Andrew Cuomo to speed up the state's efforts to secure the franchise's long-term future in the region.

The state intends to hire a consulting firm over the next week to produce a report within three months that would be issued to prospective owners. The report would identify potential stadium sites and outline public financing options that would be made available.

More From ESPN Western Colorado