THE RUNNING OF THE BULL: USA/HOOP-IT-UP ACQUIRED BY BULL RUN

          Dallas-based Universal Sports America (USA) has reached
     a $128M merger agreement with Atlanta-based Bull Run Corp.,
     according to Richard Alm of the DALLAS MORNING NEWS.  Host
     Communications (HCI), which owned "about a third" of USA's
     stock, also agreed to the Bull Run merger.  Bull Run, owners
     of 3% of USA prior to the deal, agreed to acquire the
     outstanding USA and HCI stock for $93M, plus $35M in cash. 
     USA President Doug Jarvie: "We need to get bigger and to get
     bigger we need the access to capital to grow the business." 
     USA and HCI had revenues of $109M for the fiscal year ending
     June 30.  Bull Run also has interests in Rawlings Sporting
     Goods and Internet sports firm Total Sports, Inc.  A merger
     agreement between USA and MLB Rangers/Stars Owner Tom Hicks
     "fell through" four months ago (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 2/16).