ABL CEO Gary Cavalli said that "recent infusions of
money by 'equity investors,' the sale of operating rights
for three teams and rising sponsorship sales have put the
ABL back on track to break even financially in two years,"
according to Earl Gustkey of the L.A. TIMES. Cavalli also
said that season-ticket sales are up 30% over '97, which
were up 23% from the inaugural season (L.A. TIMES, 10/30).
AD WATCH: In N.Y., Lena Williams wrote that the ABL is
"trying to capitalize" on the NBA lockout. One of the
league's advertisements reads, "Looking for Pro Hoops?
We're Playing" (N.Y. TIMES, 10/29). In Nashville, Wendy
Smith reports that the ABL "has already begun its promotion"
in ads "attacking overpaid players and greedy owners." Ads
feature slogans such as "Lockout Shmock-out" and "NBA
Lockout! The only ones who get (picture of a screw) are the
fans." Cavalli said the ads "have already provoked some of
his friends in the NBA to call" (TENNESSEAN, 10/30). Bulls
F Scottie Pippen will "toss the honorary tipoff" opening the
inaugural season of the Chicago Condors on November 6. The
Condors open against the Noise and the TENNESSEAN referred
to the Bulls F as "Scott Pippen" (TENNESSEAN, 10/28).
