DEAL CLOSE? Charlotte's WSOC-ABC reported this morning
that sources are saying that Hornets Owner George Shinn "may
sell half the team before the end of the month" to Atlanta
business exec Ray Wooldridge (WSOC-TV, 7/13).
THE LIGHTNING WILL...: Around 1,900 Lightning season-
ticket holders attended a forum with Palace Sports & Ent.
President Tom Wilson and Lightning VP/Hockey Operations Rick
Dudley last night. Wilson and Dudley outlined a "two-
pronged approach" to improve the fan experience: Dudley will
"build the team, and Palace Sports & Entertainment will
spruce up the Ice Palace." Wilson "was applauded" when he
said that "there would be less commercials and more replays
on the overhead scoreboard" (ST. PETERSBURG TIMES, 7/13).
FEEL THE STING: In Charlotte, Scott Fowler writes that
WNBA Sting Exec VP/Business Sam Russo "denied ... in a
careful way" speculation that the franchise "might leave"
Charlotte "because attendance is down." Russo: "How much
money can we lose and keep going on? That's not a decision
I make." Fowler: "Bottom line: The Sting is losing lots of
money and lots of games. ... In a growing, successful
league, the Sting just isn't working in Charlotte"
(CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 7/13). More Russo: "I think that we
still have work to do. ... Our intention is to operate a
WNBA franchise for the long haul" (GASTON GAZETTE, 7/11).
