There are "growing indications" that the NBA could launch a
spring women's basketball league in '97, according to the L.A.
TIMES. While league officials respond with "no comment," Earl
Gustkey reports, "College basketball people, organizers of
another pro league and one prominent player agent are saying the
NBA is drawing up a plan for a 12- to 16-team women's league."
Sources say NBA Commissioner David Stern could make an official
announcement at NBA All-Star Weekend February 10-11. Agent Bruce
Levy, who represents 71 pro women's players playing in 18
countries: "It's obvious to me the NBA is dead serious about it.
... They're spending money on it, and their key people are
looking at a women's league. At this point, I'd be shocked if
there isn't an NBA women's league in 1997 or '98." Sources say
plans are the league would run from April to August, with teams
in 12 to 16 selected cities. The spring format would allow U.S.
players to continue playing in Europe's fall leagues. While the
NBA "would have its name all over the enterprise," the league
might be run in the first season by an outside group -- with Nike
said to be a possibility (L.A. TIMES, 1/28).
UNION LEADERSHIP: In New York, Mitch Lawrence reports NBA
Deputy Commissioner Russ Granik "will be getting a call" from the
NBPA about replacing ousted Exec Dir Simon Gourdine. Patrick
Ewing, noting that Gourdine also moved from the league to the
union: "Don't worry. That's not going to happen this time"
(N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 1/28).
