WILD'S PROSPECTUS SHOWS OWNERS BULLISH ON TEAM'S CHANCES

          The NHL expansion Minnesota Wild's confidential
     prospectus "shows optimistic predictions for the success of
     the team," according to Jay Weiner of the Minneapolis STAR
     TRIBUNE.  Wild President Jac Sperling projects higher
     average attendance than the North Stars "ever had in their
     26-year history," and more concession sales than the NHL or
     local average.  While city officials haven't seen the
     prospectus, "legislators say they will demand that the team
     be more open" with its books "because the team's success at
     the gate will affect the arena's finance plan."  But Wild
     lead investor Robert Naegele said opening the books is "not
     a necessity.  This is a private offering."  Among findings
     in the prospectus: The team will average 16,600, at 90%
     capacity.  The North Stars never averaged more than 15,265;
     Concession sales are projected to average $8.50 per fan, up
     from the '96 NHL average of $5.28 (STAR TRIBUNE, 1/24).