FRANCHISE NOTES

          In Charlotte, Cliff Mehrtens writes that WNBA President
     Val Ackerman is "concerned" about dwindling attendance, but
     added, "I think that's partly attributable ... to the
     [league's] earlier start."  Sting Exec VP/Business
     Operations Sam Russo, whose team is averaging 5,199 fans
     this season: "I don't think we have any intentions of giving
     up on the product.  I have not heard anything (about moving)
     from the league this season" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER,
     7/21)....In Chicago, Dave Van Dyck, on Cubs President Andy
     MacPhail assuming the duties of former GM Ed Lynch: "How can
     MacPhail possibly wear all those hats?"  MacPhail: "We have
     a lot of good people and I will rely on them.  I'm not so
     vain that I think I can do everything.  There are a lot of
     things I'm going to rely on other people to help me with." 
     Van Dyck: "But don't look for any outside hires, at least
     immediately" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 7/21).