NEW BUZZ AROUND THE HIVE: GROUP BIDS $95M FOR HORNETS

     A group of Charlotte businessmen has offered up to $95M to
buy the Hornets, but Owner George Shinn says he won't sell to
them, according to Chapman & Bonnell in today's CHARLOTTE
OBSERVER.  Felix Sabates, Majority Owner of the ECHL Charlotte
Checkers and one of the bidders, said the group is composed of
"very big community leaders" who would keep the team at the
Charlotte Coliseum.  Sabates said he approached the Hornets two
months ago with an offer worth $85 to 95M.  The Hornets currently
are considering building a new arena in SC or uptown Charlotte,
but may also remain at the Coliseum.  Shinn said he would take on
partners,  but would not give up controlling interest.  Sabates
once owned minority interest in the team, but he and other
partners were bought out by Shinn in '89.  Sabates is not
interested in buying a minority interest (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER,
4/11).