LIGHTNING REMAIN ON THE BLOCK AS SUITORS EXPRESS INTEREST

          While the current ownership of the Lightning "isn't
     banking on finding a new owner" before the start of the '97-
     98 season, the team "remains for sale," according to Tom
     Jones of the ST. PETERSBURG TIMES.  The Maloof family,
     "considered the leading candidate to buy the team for the
     past several months, has put negotiations on hold," but
     Gavin Maloof and Lightning CEO Steve Oto "denied reports"
     the Maloof family "is no longer interested."  Maloof: "It's
     going much slower, but I wouldn't say it is over."  Tampa-
     based TransWorld Diversified is also "preparing to make an
     official bid."  IHL Quebec Rafales co-Owner David Berkman
     has become a "serious suitor," while Devil Rays Managing
     General Partner Vince Naimoli "might be interested."  Oto
     said that he was "not aware of TransWorld's timetable" for a
     potential bid, and that he has "not received a bid from it
     or any other group" (ST. PETERSBURG TIMES, 7/26).