As the Starzz begin their third season, team Owner Larry Miller "is determined to see the team succeed," according to Patrick Kinahan of the SALT LAKE TRIBUNE. Kinahan writes that the WNBA has "basically put" the Starzz and Monarchs, two of the lowest drawing teams in the league last year, "on notice, with the message to 'increase ticket sales or else.'" Miller: "We don't have any intent of letting this thing be a failure, from a business standpoint." Miller says he takes some responsibility for the Starzz' "rough" first two years. Miller: "I didn't require that we establish a dedicated infrastructure. We have that now" (S.L. TRIBUNE, 6/10). The Starzz released "fan favorite" G Tammi Reiss yesterday and Lya Wodraska writes, "Cutting her was a public relations risk, especially since the Starzz are in danger of losing the franchise because of slow ticket sales" (S.L. TRIBUNE, 6/10). OTHER MARKETS: In Sacramento, Don Bosley writes on the three-year franchise: "If the fans don't come now, then they're probably riveted poolside for good" (SACRAMENTO BEE, 6/6)....The Miracle host their inaugural game tonight and Greg Dawson writes, "Although the Miracle will take as many guys as they can get, the fan base clearly will be women of all ages" (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 6/10)....The Sting expects 1,400 season-ticket holders, up 17% from last year (THE BUSINESS JOURNAL OF CHARLOTTE, 6/4 issue)....Blazers Senior VP Harry Hutt, on possibly hiring former ABL Power personnel: "We'll look at anybody that could make us successful" (OREGONIAN, 6/8).....Miami's expansion franchise "already has cost" the Heat $725,000 -- a $500,000 franchise fee and a $225,000 fee to the NBA (PALM BEACH POST, 6/9). ...MBA students in the Sports and Entertainment Academy at IN Univ. Kelley School of Business will provide consulting advice to the Indianapolis WNBA franchise in partial fulfillment of the students' requirements (THE DAILY).
