NPSL Commissioner Steve Paxos said that the soccer
league, which "took two hits in the summer" when the Toronto
and Tampa Bay franchises ceased, will "rebound by next
season," according to Dennis Manolloff of the Cleveland
PLAIN-DEALER. Paxos: "I foresee us being back to 15-18
teams." Although Paxos declined to name candidates,
Manolloff wrote that Paxos "would love to get back" to
Chicago, and San Diego is an area "that might materialize."
Paxos is "upbeat" about the NPSL's 13-team league: "I'm the
most optimistic I've been about this league since I became
commissioner. I think the league is very healthy right now.
... There are some prospects for a national TV deal starting
after the first of the year" (PLAIN-DEALER, 11/19).
BOOGIE NIGHTS IN IHL: Saints Owner Tom Benson wants to
bring an IHL team to New Orleans. IHL officials said
Wednesday that the league had received an application from
Benson, along with a $500,000 deposit. It's Benson's
"intention to put the team in New Orleans' new downtown
arena, scheduled to be completed in time for the 1999-2000
season." IHL Commissioner Robert Ufer said the league "is
absolutely and unequivocally committed to bringing a team"
to New Orleans (AP/ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS, 11/20).
