ABL co-Founder Gary Cavalli was named CEO of the ABL.
He was serving as VP/Marketing & Communications (ABL).
LOOKING AHEAD: In L.A., Earl Gustkey reviewed the ABL
under the header, "ABL Fired First Shot in Women's Pro
Basketball Wars, But Will WNBA Have it Jumping Through
Hoops?" Gustkey: "The major question facing the ABL now is
what happens after this inaugural season? How many of its
players will re-up for 1997? What happens when ABL players
see in the off-season the huge advantage the WNBA will have
in TV exposure--NBC, ESPN, Lifetime?" (L.A. TIMES, 12/18).
In SI, Alexander Wolff offers a "survival guide" to the ABL
"to avoid a stomping by David Stern" as the WNBA sets to
start in June. Wolff's advice to the ABL: "You're not a
league, you're a movement." In comparison to the WNBA's
"top-down approach," the ABL's philosophy is grassroots.
Wolff: "It's working - that's why the teams with the worst
records, the New England Blizzard and the Portland Power,
are drawing the most fans - so stick with it." Regarding
proper conditioning and cleaning up rough play, Wolff adds:
"Make sure you're in the ABL, not the ACL." Wolff
concludes: "You and the WNBA are in different markets and
season, with different philosophies and corporate backers.
There's no reason you can't co-exist" (SI, 12/16 issue).
