61.   But league officials tried to keep the marquee value up by adding, among others, Mark Messier.

62.   But one league official said Michael Jordan threatened the Bulls with retirement if the deal went through.

63.   But owners and league officials maintain that it is a big issue.

64.   But owners and league officials said other considerations put Houston ahead of Los Angeles.

65.   But with cooler, rainy days less likely this spring, league officials are optimistic.

66.   But without firm plans or financing for a permanent stadium, league officials have said they are hesitant about committing to Concord.

67.   Buzz around the ABL is that league officials were miffed that Agler took the WNBA deal before the ABL had a chance to counteroffer.

68.   CBS will most likely meet with league officials Friday.

69.   Coaches and league officials say it capped a five-year campaign to make their team a national contender.

70.   Coaches, players and league officials agree that improved defense has helped kill the free-flowing offenses that once proliferated the NBA.