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Leagues and Governing Bodies

JOE KAPP TOSSES OUT ALL-STAR FOOTBALL

     A group of business executives led by former Vikings QB Joe
Kapp yesterday announced the formation of a new pro football
league, All-Star Football.  Originated by Team Dynamics, Inc., a
CA-based business development and media creation company founded
by Kapp, All-Star Football will begin its season of Sunday
afternoon games in September, with a championship game in
February '97.  The league will not draft players, but will draw
on the pool of college-trained athletes who would otherwise not
have an opportunity to play pro football.  In addition, the
league will accept current pro players who want to play in a
league that includes players on its management board and shares
the league's profits and equity appreciation.  BKS/Bates
Entertainment, a TV syndication company and equity partner in
All-Star Football, is offering a weekly schedule of games
throughout the country and will introduce the league to the TV
industry at the upcoming NAPTE convention later this month.  All-
Star Football plans to have team in New York, L.A., Philadelphia,
Chicago, Detroit, Hartford, Miami, Orlando, Memphis, Houston, San
Jose, Cleveland, Columbus, Milwaukee, El Paso and Mexico City
(All-Star Football).
     MORE INFO: Kapp told USA TODAY's Rudy Martzke that the
owners of the 16 teams will pledge $15M each for three years to
launch the league (USA TODAY, 1/17).  The N.Y. TIMES reports the
league will play every Sunday at 3pm, in direct competition with
NFL games, and that league ownership would be divided among Team
Dynamics (33%), investors (20%), players (19%), TV distributors
(15%) and league employees (13%).  If there are profits, 14%
would go to active players annually, with 5% to retired players
(N.Y. TIMES, 1/17).  In Chicago, where the Bears and Mayor
Richard Daley are battling over stadium issues, Daley is
receptive to the new league.  Daley spokesperson Jim Williams:
"The Mayor believes the city is big enough and the fans
knowledgeable enough and enthusiastic enough to support two
professional teams" (Mark Potash, CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 1/17).
Wayne Friedman writes in INSIDE MEDIA that the league will mark
the first time that professional football will be broadcast live
in national syndication.  He also notes that BKS/BATES executives
declined to comment on whether Bates clients will be part of
sponsoring the league or taking advertising positions in the
televised games (INSIDE MEDIA, 1/8 issue).
     BIG PICTURE: Martzke reports the announcement of the makes
three new leagues that have said they will begin play in '96 or
'97 -- with all eyes on CBS.  Martzke notes Howard Milstein's
Major League Football is regarded as having the best chance to
compete with the NFL.  MLF attorney Robert Lewis met Monday with
CBS President Peter Lund and CBS Sports President Dave Kenin.
Lewis noted, "We're very close to breaking through with a TV
network."  But in a statement released yesterday, Kenin said,
"The CBS television network broadcast the National Football
League for 38 years.  With the resources and commitment of [new
owner Westinghouse], we are eager to get back in the game.
Beyond that, we do not comment on rumor or speculation" (USA
TODAY, 1/17).

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