WNBA SHAKES OFF SOPHOMORE SLUMP, AVERAGING 10,108 PER GAME

          The WNBA is averaging 10,108 fans per game through 89
     games, which is up about 12% from a year ago at this time,
     according to Pamela Lewis of the Long Beach PRESS-TELEGRAM. 
     The first-year Mystics lead the league averaging 16,004 per
     game, followed by the Liberty (13,795), Mercury (13,407) and
     Comets (12,015) (Long Beach PRESS-TELEGRAM, 7/23).  
          WNBA FIGHTING OFF SOPHOMORE JINX? In Dallas, Marc Stein
     reports that despite "sagging" WNBA TV ratings, "it appears
     that fears of a sophomore jinx were unfounded."  He notes
     that it took the NBA 29 years before it averaged 10,000 per-
     game.  WNBA President Val Ackerman: "We're right where we
     wanted to be."  Stein: "The legion of WNBA critics is
     dwindling, but Ackerman can't rest yet.  A backdrop of empty
     seats at many games has prompted some league observers to
     question whether actual attendances are accurately reflected
     in announced attendances" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 7/24).