Re: 2004 WNBA Draft lottery set for December 3rd

"mimus" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message
news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> On 27 Nov 2003 03:35:28 GMT, [EMAIL PROTECTED] (CapriSmall) wrote:
>
> >Any idea what's become of Cleveland?
>
> The WNBA was supposed to "decide their fate" the first week of
> November, but there has at least been no formal announcement that I've
> seen of plug- pulling-- maybe some local fans know more?
>
> In any event, what could the WNBA decide? they're certainly not able
> to take over and run a franchise.
>


The WNBA ran the Charlotte Sting in 2002 after the Hornets left Charlotte
for New Orleans and before Robert Johnson took over ownership of the
team in 2003.

The NHL operated the Buffalo Sabres after its parent company declared
bankruptcy and paid the Sabres payroll until a new owner was found.

Major League Baseball runs the Montreal Expos.  I forget the
particulars of the situation.

If the precedence of the Orlando Miracle, Miami Sol, and Utah Starzz were
followed, the Cleveland Rockers has "been returned to the league."
The WNBA has the option of doing one of three things:

1) folding the team and holding a dispersal draft as was done with the
Miami Sol and the Portland Fire.

2) operating the team until a new owner in Cleveland or elsewhere is
found as was done with the Charlotte Sting.

3) finding a new owner immediately as was done for the Orlando Magic and the
Utah Starzz.

Apparently the WNBA hasn't decided what to do with the team yet.