1.   Andy Mutch says every young lad wants to play in the top league and he is looking forward to it.

2.   And Friday, one top league executive had the first five picks as Couch, quarterback Daunte Culpepper, Smith, Williams and Bailey.

3.   Croats now pollinate the top European leagues of Italy, Spain, Germany and England.

4.   Elway ranks among the top five league players in merchandising.

5.   In addition to live broadcasting of English Premier League games, the company secured the rights to broadcast games between teams in the three leagues below the top league.

6.   In fact, instead of colluding to suppress salaries, the top leagues are spending more than ever.

7.   Major League Soccer still is far from matching the top leagues in the world, judging by the CONCACAF Champions Cup tournament.

8.   MLS executives hoped American referees would gain valuable experience in other top leagues around the world.

9.   Television rights fees are significant in Italy but are only beginning to have an effect on the top European leagues.