League Notes

In Toronto, William Houston reports WHA organizers have approached NHL players about a partnership that “could include some sort of ownership position by the players” and the NHLPA “stocking the new league with some of its leading players.” NHLPA Dir of Business Affairs Ted Saskin last week confirmed that the union “has been approached by more than one group to establish an alternative professional hockey league,” but he would not give the names of the groups (Toronto GLOBE & MAIL, 1/19).

NICE COMPLEMENT: AFL Commissioner David Baker, on the league’s relationship with the NFL: “We don’t compete with the NFL. But we think, and I believe they think, that we complement their game. We are both in the business of growing football. They skew toward an older, more traditional demographic. We tend to skew toward a younger, more innovative demographic. My view, and NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue has said to me, that if it’s good for football, it’s good for both of us” (BRANDWEEK, 1/17 issue).

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS: Magic F and union rep Pat Garrity said that NBPA Exec Dir Billy Hunter “has been polling players to gauge the depth of their commitment” to issues surrounding ongoing CBA negotiations and the possibility of a lockout. Garrity: “Apparently, 80[%] think they can last a year. Now that’s guys saying that without losing checks, so that could change” (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 1/19).