MALOOFS TO BOLT OUT OF TAMPA? REPORT SAYS SALE IS OFF

          The Maloof family's "anticipated deal to purchase the
     Lightning appears to be dead," according to Kaufman &
     Cummings of the TAMPA TRIBUNE.  Three sources "either
     directly involved or with knowledge of negotiations" told
     Kaufman & Cummings that the Maloofs are no longer "pursuing
     the team."  Another source told Kaufman & Cummings that the
     Maloofs "recently alienated" Lightning execs and league
     officials by "continually changing details" of a $160M
     agreement.  Lightning CEO Steve Oto: "Discussions are not
     moving at this point."  Kaufman & Cummings write that
     although Oto never indicated a timetable for a sale, the
     organization "preferred an orderly transfer by the end of
     the summer."  This scenario "now appears unlikely" due to
     the "complexity of the Ice Palace Package and the NHL's
     heightened review process on new owners in the wake of John
     Spano's debacle."  Gavin Maloof: "We're worth more than $400
     million.  This is not the Spano deal."  Kaufman & Cummings
     add that Tampa-based TransWorld Diversified Services is
     putting together a bid that could involve partners. 
     TransWorld spokesperson Karl Nickel: "We are in the final
     stages of our evaluation. ... We feel we have a very
     legitimate shot at doing this" (TAMPA TRIBUNE, 7/25).