NBA TABS ERNST & YOUNG TO DETERMINE FRANCHISE VALUES

          Bill Laurie's "stalled attempt to purchase the
     Grizzlies and John McCaw's stalled attempt to sell his NBA
     Vancouver franchise has resulted in a league-wide search to
     find what commissioner David Stern refers to as 'a
     reasonable level of fan support,'" according to Greg Douglas
     of the VANCOUVER SUN.  The NBA has hired N.Y.-based Ernst &
     Young to determine "the fair market value of its franchises
     at a time when attendance figures are down in most NBA
     cities."  After the firm comes up with its figure, Laurie
     "will be forwarded the league's new terms as to how and when
     he can complete his deal with McCaw."  One "high-level" NBA
     source said talks are continuing between the parties and the
     sale to Laurie is "very much alive" (VAN. SUN, 12/11).