TAGLIABUE TO HOUSTON: IF YOU BUILD IT, WE WILL COME

     NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue said if Houston can obtain a
stadium package guaranteeing at least $70M in annual revenue, the
city "will likely" get another NFL franchise, according to this
morning's HOUSTON CHRONICLE.  The NFL will send a team of
negotiators to Houston within two weeks to advise on such a plan,
and Tagliabue said once the city decides the type of stadium --
open-air or domed, refurbished Astrodome or new -- financing
would be easier to determine.  Tagliabue:  "I've seen some
suggestions that talk about 2002 or beyond, and I think if we get
to work and make this a priority, it can be done sooner."
According to sources, Tagliabue indicated if Houston can work out
financing, "there is a strong chance" the city could attract an
existing team having financial difficulty in a smaller market
(John Williams, HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 5/30).