The AVP is undergoing more changes, according to Terry
Lefton of BRANDWEEK, who reports, "Out is Harry Usher, in is
Bill Berger, as interim exec director." Berger is a former
player agent, AVP Marketing Dir and head of the Amateur
Volleyball Association. He said that he will "blend the two
properties and said he's close to completing a deal with an
L.A. investment banking firm that would pour millions into
the beleaguered league's coffers." The revamped league will
feature 14 to 18 events next year, including three Grand
Slam events that will include women. Berger also "confirmed
a Chapter 11 filing is imminent for the league," which has
more than $2.5M in debt (BRANDWEEK, 11/16 issue). The AVP's
new strategic business plan has been posted at http://www.
beachmania.com/release since November 6 (THE DAILY).
L.A. STORY: The plight of beach volleyball was examined
by Janet Wiscombe of the L.A. TIMES MAGAZINE, who wrote that
the pro sport "is in financial and spiritual ruin."
Wiscombe: "Without Harry Usher's talents, some insiders
predict more storms within the AVP. Still, Berger has been
as intimately involved with the sport as anybody." Wiscombe
wrote that as the AVP/WPVA grew in the early '90s, "so did
egos -- and sniping over the cut of the pie." One name that
"incites venom is Gabrielle Reece," who now competes in the
four-player game of beach volleyball. Former WPVA President
Chris Schaefer, on Reece: "She's a great marketing tool for
women's volleyball. But she could be more helpful. She
wants too much of the pie." Reece: "People are frustrated,
so it's easy to come after me. I'm the most visible. ...
I'd do anything to help grow the sport. I'd go disco
dancing in Saran Wrap if it would help" (L.A. TIMES, 11/15).
