In Seattle, Art Thiel writes that the Sonics "have the
NBA's fourth-worst attendance," with an average of 15,474
fans. That total represents the "paid count," yet
KeyArena's "empty-seat acreage indicates" that many
ticketholders "can't give their tickets away" (SEATTLE P-I,
1/20)....In Cleveland, Mary Schmitt Boyer wrote that the
Cavs "are preparing a tribute" to Bobby Phills, a former
Cavs and Hornets team member who died in a car accident last
week in Charlotte. The tribute will take place before the
Cavs' game against the Pistons on January 25. The Cavs also
plan to wear patches on their uniforms in honor of Phills
for the remainder of the season (PLAIN DEALER, 1/19)....In
Vancouver, Stuart Hunter reported that the WHL "granted" an
expansion franchise to Tri-City Americans Owner Ron Toigo,
who paid a $2M expansion fee. The franchise will start play
in September 2001 (PROVINCE, 1/19). Toigo's group may
include Maple Leafs GM Pat Quinn and NHL HOFer Gordie Howe
as minor partners (SEATTLE TIMES, 1/19)....In Seattle,
Meredith Bagley writes that the logo for the WNBA Seattle
Storm was unveiled last night. The Storm have sold 7,176
ticket deposits, with a goal of 10,000 by the start of the
season (SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER, 1/20).