FRANCHISE NOTES

          In S.F., Matier & Ross write, "Will [49ers] President
     Carmen Policy become a free agent and leave?"  There's been
     "talk" that Policy would be "an excellent" CEO for the new
     Browns, or that he would be "a great point man for bringing a
     new team to L.A." (S.F. CHRONICLE, 3/30)....In Philadelphia,
     the 76ers had their sixth sellout of the season on Sunday for
     its Rug Rats Night promotion (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER,
     3/30)....The Rockets announced ticket prices for the '98-99
     season, with an overall increase of just over 7% in prices. 
     In addition to VIP floor seating, ticket prices range from
     $12.50-$96.50 (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 3/29)....NHL Oilers
     President Glen Sather has been informed he will answer to Jim
     Hole from the team's new ownership group.  Sather: "From a
     business point of view, having one man to answer to makes a
     lot of sense.  But emotionally, I want them all involved." 
     The owners group currently numbers 19, but actually includes
     a total of 25 individuals (EDMONTON SUN, 3/29).