Despite "significant gains in sponsorships and season-
ticket sales," the MLS Mutiny "has struggled on the field
and its attendance has plummeted," according to Brian
Landman of the ST. PETERSBURG TIMES. The team is next-to-
last in attendance with an average of 8,025 tickets
distributed, and "worse still, an average of 4,459 fans
actually has shown up." MLS Commissioner Doug Logan: "As a
businessman, am I concerned? Yes, I am. But we think
everything that can be done is being done." Mutiny
President & GM Nick Sakiewicz "is spending more money than
ever to attract fans," and the team "continues to win over
corporations." With the addition of Kash 'n Karry and
Carmax, the team has deals with almost 100 companies
representing $430,000 in sales, a 16% increase from last
year. Sakiewicz: "I'm miffed because we've done everything
we can think of from a marketing and promotion standpoint."
Landman wrote that "part of the attendance problem" may be
due to changes in the team's roster (ST. PETE TIMES, 6/30).
NPSL: In Baltimore, NPSL Blast Owner Edwin Hale said,
"I don't think we are going to lose money here, and that's
the first time I've said that." Hale, who also owned the
team in '92 when in went under with the Major Soccer League,
said the difference today is a larger league and greater
corporate support, including team sponsors Fila, Comcast
Cablevision and six others. The NPSL is negotiating with
potential teams in Indianapolis and Montreal (SUN, 7/1).
