The ABL, "recognizing the need for a strong marketing
push" in Philadelphia, yesterday named Jonathan Matthews, a
former marketing manager for Reebok Int'l, as the new GM of
the Rage, according to Mel Greenberg of the PHILADELPHIA
INQUIRER. Matthews has been with Reebok, a "major ABL
sponsor," since '92, and most recently served as the
company's Northeast region marketing manager, covering the
Philadelphia, Baltimore and DC markets. Matthews, who will
assume his new position with the Rage on August 3, said that
a "primary goal" is to get a season radio-broadcast deal for
the team, "while continuing to seek TV opportunities
locally" (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 7/29).
AMBUSH MARKETING? Greenberg also notes that the ABL
will unveil the team name and logo of its new Chicago
franchise at a party Friday at Michael Jordan's Restaurant.
Rod Strickland, Tim Hardaway and "several other NBA players,
as well as the Bulls' mascot and cheerleaders, are expected
to attend" (Mel Greenberg, PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 7/29).
WNBA NEWS: WNBA President Val Ackerman, asked what
would happen if the WNBA Minnesota franchise does not secure
the required 5,000 season-ticket deposits by September 1:
"If it turns out that the support is not there, we're not
going to bring a WNBA team here" (STAR TRIBUNE, 7/29).
