SMOOTH OPERATORS: N.Y. INVESTMENT FIRM TO ACQUIRE UNITED

          MLS' BOG "hopes to approve the sale" of United's
     operating rights to N.Y. investment firm E.M. Warburg,
     Pincus & Co. by Thursday for between $25-30M, according to
     Steven Goff of the WASHINGTON POST.  The league "was
     scheduled to address the final two issues associated with
     the sale last night."  The deal would end an 18-month
     process "that appeared close to being completed several
     times last fall and early this year."  The team has been
     operated by Washington Soccer LP since its inaugural year in
     '96, and its primary investors include Octagon and Soros
     Fund Management.  Sources said that one of United's
     investors, VA-based Global TeleSystems Group exec H. Brian
     Thompson, "might remain involved with the club."  DC
     business exec Mark Cowan "also might retain a connection to
     the club and league" (WASHINGTON POST, 6/27).