Speculation about the future of the ABL and WNBA is
examined by Earl Gustkey of the L.A. TIMES, who writes that
"Rumor Central" has a "major investor" ready to back the ABL
and possible merger talks between the two leagues. Gustkey
writes that a "major investor" wants to see cost-cutting,
which has led to the league's layoffs and "possible closure
of the Long Beach franchise." A "second group of interested
investors is out there, and it believes the value of the
ABL's player contracts is very attractive, no matter how
much the league is losing." Finally, Gustkey writes, "The
WNBA is so reluctant to open its books to its almost-formed
players' union that it would even consider merger talks with
the ABL to delay the union's formation for more than a year.
Another source says ABL [CEO] Gary Cavalli and WNBA
President Val Ackerman already had preliminary conversations
about such a merger." Ackerman: "Not true. There have been
no such conversations" (Earl Gustkey, L.A. TIMES, 8/25).
RAISING THE ROOF: For final WNBA attendance, see (#28).
The league's average attendance was up 12% from last year,
and it had 73 crowds in excess of 10,000, up from 41 last
year. Ackerman cited Charlotte, Sacramento, Utah and L.A.
as having "disappointing attendance" (L.A. TIMES, 8/25).
STATE OF THE LEAGUE: In Detroit, Becky Yerak reviews
the Shock's inaugural season under the header, "Shock Defy
Skeptics With Strong Merchandise Sales, Fan Base." The
Shock "expects to make money its first year." Palace Sports
President Tom Wilson: "We won't get rich, but we'll be in
the black" (DETROIT NEWS, 8/25). In Miami, Rana Cash wrote,
"As its sophomore year concludes, the league is still
thriving off the freshness of a new summer sports interest,
but this is also the year in which it seems to have
solidified its future -- on the court and off" (MIAMI
HERALD, 8/23). In Greensboro, Ed Hardin wrote that the WNBA
"is as strong as it can be right now, and maybe as strong as
it will ever be" (Greensboro NEWS & RECORD, 8/24).
