No, the Storm hasn't announced their 2008 TV deal, but word should come soon. Even employees of various TV stations are clueless as to what is going on behind closed doors, though. One employee at Kong 6/16 said they figured to be in the running since the Storm was first on their station back in 2000, but none of the top brass is tipping their hand. The employee did add that most at the station want the Storm because it would help fill out their programming on Channel 16.

But until that announcement is made, how about watching another Candace Parker matchup? The rookie has helped produce four consecutive road sellouts for Los Angeles and will debut in her native Chicago tonight. Playing for the Sky and an expected packed house is No. 2 overall pick Sylvia Fowles. You can catch the action on NBA-TV at 5p.m. (PST).

In talking to Parker's agent, Eric Goodwin, it seems the hype is getting a little annoying for the league's newest star. Her camp would like a little variety in how she's publicized and to wait for big-hit moments. Goodwin also commented that the players should support Parker more. I talked to Storm C Yolanda Griffith about the newest CP3 and she said Parker had to "go through the old G's first." And I'm sure everyone has read the ESPN magazine article where the vets commented about Parker and her first year in the league.
Detroit G Katie Smith added that she's "seen it before," responding sort of ho-hum to what Parker will be able to do off the bat on the court, yet noting that Parker is an incredible player.

Goodwin thinks if the players rally behind Parker, she can lift them all up to the financial and visual popularity every pro athlete seeks. I slightly agree, although I like rookies to earn that respect. Goodwin is known as a masterful marketer of players, but all of the old G's can tell you how hard it is to continually take a backseat to younger stars and not see the love spread around.

"I think there are a lot of players in this league deserving of million-dollar contracts that where here first," said Storm F Shery Swoopes.

Anyway, Chicago fans take a look around the crowd for business suits. Since the area is base for several major corporations like Pepsi, McDonald's, OfficeMax, Allstate, Kraft Foods, and Motorola, don't be surprised to see representatives floating around, enjoying the game and thinking about signing Parker to an endorsement deal. Parker has already racked in a reported $4 million from Adidas and Gatorade.