WPVA CEASES OPERATION, CITING LACK OF SPONSOR SUPPORT

          The WPVA has "suspended play and is expected to file
     for bankruptcy," according to Sharon Robb of the Ft.
     Lauderdale SUN-SENTINEL.   FL events scheduled for Deerfield
     Beach, Fort Myers and Clearwater were cancelled, along with
     events in Austin, TX, San Diego and Chicago.  WPVA Tour Dir
     Levalley Pattison: "The whole market for volleyball is
     depressed right now.  For some reason sponsors are not that
     receptive.  The crowds are great and TV ratings are good. 
     As far as sponsors -- nothing is out there."  One investor,
     San Diego-based Charles Jackson, withdrew his support of
     seven events in '98, citing "difficulty in securing
     television and sponsorships at such a late date."   WPVA
     officials are "working out long-range payment plans for
     creditors," and several employees have not been paid.  The
     two-person pro tour was entering its 12th season and had
     sanctioned 140 events since '87.  Prize money had increased
     from $48,500 to more than $600,000 (SUN-SENTINEL, 3/25).