ESPNW's Michelle Smith noted the WNBA "is having what must be considered serious discussions" with the Warriors to determine the future of the Sparks, two weeks after the news broke that the Sparks' ownership group "handed the team back to the league." The business of "running the world's best professional women's basketball league is on hold until the Sparks' future is determined." Smith: "A league schedule awaits. The announcement of a draft date awaits. The players' new collective bargaining agreement awaits." The "best part about the Warriors' involvement thus far is that Golden State's ownership wants to be here. No arm-twisting involved." That is "why the WNBA should be doing everything it can to make this happen" (ESPNW.com, 1/15).
HAAS WANTS F1 TEAM: AUTOSPORT.com's Rencken & Noble noted Stewart-Haas Racing co-Owner Gene Haas is "working on plans to launch" a new American F1 team. Sources said that Haas "is working with former Red Bull and Jaguar technical director Gunther Steiner on the F1 project." The new team "is provisionally called Haas Racing Developments." SHR "recently expanded its facilities in Charlotte, which could be part of the preparations for a potential F1 involvement" (AUTOSPORT.com, 1/16).
UFC SHOCKED BY CLAIMS: UFC co-Chair & CEO Lorenzo Fertitta said that he "was surprised" by MMA fighter Georges St-Pierre's comments regarding the league's drug testing, or a lack thereof, and added that the issue "did not come up when the Canadian star discussed his departure from the promotion last month." UFC President Dana White "echoed that claim Wednesday, adding there has been no contact between the UFC and St-Pierre since the statements were made" (ESPN.com, 1/16).
