LOS ANGELES CITY COUNCIL APPROVES PLAN FOR NEW ARENA

          The L.A. City Council voted 11-3 for a plan to build a
     $200M downtown sports arena, according to Jodi Wilgoren in
     the L.A. TIMES.  While "not a binding agreement," the
     council's vote "outlines the framework" for plans to use
     $70M in public money to help acquire land and finance the
     arena, with the public investment "largely" through bonds
     the city would pay off over 25 years from a surcharge on
     arena tickets, parking revenues and taxes collected from the
     venue.  Developers must now submit environmental impact
     plans and apply for land use permits.  Officials expect the
     matter to return to the council for an "ultimate" approval
     in August or September (L.A. TIMES, 5/24).
          NO SALE? John Semcken, spokesperson for Kings Owners
     Philip Anschutz and Ed Roski, Jr. denied reports that they
     are considering selling the Kings -- and their option to buy
     30% of the Lakers -- to Rupert Murdoch (L.A. TIMES, 5/24).