Thompson says Wrigley negotiations press on despite impasse

CHICAGO -- The head of the Illinois stadium agency that could buy Wrigley Field says there's still hope for a deal even though the impasse remains.

Former Governor James Thompson says his Illinois Sports Facilities Authority continues to negotiate with Tribune Co. in periodic talks that began months ago. The problem is still in coming up with a transaction that would not involve taxpayer money and thus could gain approval from city and state officials.

Thompson says a number of bankers have suggested ways a deal could be done without the use of taxpayer money. He says the two sides are continuing to explore those.

Tribune Chairman and CEO Sam Zell still hopes to sell Wrigley separately from the Chicago Cubs, who play there. But Zell signaled last week he is prepared to relent and sell them as a package if a Wrigley deal with the ISFA can't be done.