CT Attorney General Richard Blumenthal has "launched an
antitrust investigation" looking into the role of the NBA in
the "collapse" of the ABL, according to Lynne Tuohy of the
HARTFORD COURANT. Blumenthal cites "industry sources" as
having details that the NBA, as owner of the WNBA, "may have
imposed restrictions" on broadcasters or sponsors that
"blocked the ABL from a fair shot at essential financial
rights like TV and product sponsorships." Blumenthal's 15-
page subpoena to the NBA "seeks information on any
conditions or restrictions imposed by the NBA on sponsors,
manufacturers or telecasters regarding the ABL."
Blumenthal: "There are no ABL officials involved (in the
investigation). We represent only the state of [CT]." WNBA
spokesperson Mark Pray said the matter is being handled by
the league's lawyers (HARTFORD COURANT, 1/12).
WOMEN'S SPORTS AT EBB? BUSINESS WEEK's Michael
Goldstein examines the state of women's pro sports leagues
and writes that "attempts to build women's pro leagues have
largely gone nowhere." The "fields of America are haunted
by the ghosts of ball clubs gone bust." Now, Goldstein
notes, "The ABL is dead, soccer postponed until 2001, hockey
scrapped completely, and softball struggling." CBS Sports
President Sean McManus: "Advertisers aren't convinced that
the way to reach women is through women's sports. A lot
more women watch the World Series than the WNBA Finals."
But Goldstein adds that it is "too early to write off
women's professional leagues" (BUSINESS WEEK, 1/18). ...NHL
Penguins founder and Atlantic League Bridgeport Bluefish co-
Owner Jack McGregor said he "was all set to bankroll a
Women's Professional Hockey League" last year, with 16
players signed from the U.S. National Team and three teams
in Canada and three in the U.S. McGregor "got word that the
league was on hold" for four years and said, "The quantity
of the talent is not yet there to support a full-scale
professional league" (HARTFORD COURANT, 1/10).
