CUP CRAZY: ABC, ESPN AND ESPN2 GEAR UP FOR WORLD CUP ACTION

          Four years "after scoring surprisingly high" ratings
     with the World Cup, ESPN and ABC "are hoping for a repeat
     performance this summer," according to Breznick & Reynolds
     of CABLE WORLD.  Along with ESPN2, the networks will show
     all 64 World Cup '98 games live in the U.S. for the first
     time.  Tournament coverage begins June 10 with two games on
     ESPN.  Both ESPN and ESPN2 will run 30-minute pre-game shows
     before each match, and ESPN2 will also present a 30-minute
     wrapup program each night.  ESPN, which averaged a 1.8
     rating for 41 telecasts in '94, "is shooting for at least a
     1.1 to 1.3 average."  ABC, which will show 14 games,
     including all three scheduled Team USA games, declined to
     project a rating.  In '94, ABC averaged a 5.3 for 11
     telecasts.  ESPN is also "already pitching" next year's
     Women's World Cup to advertisers.  ESPN "is seeking six
     prime sponsors" for its coverage (CABLE WORLD, 6/1).