Rick Bonnell of the charlotte Observer reports: The Charlotte Sting is the only WNBA team not in an NBA city. M.L. Carr hopes to make sure that's not a permanent condition.

Carr, a former coach of the Boston Celtics, was named president of the Sting, a newly-created role, Thursday. While running the Sting, he will continue pursuing an NBA expansion team to replace the Hornets, who are moving to New Orleans.

Carr represents Hall of Famer Larry Bird and Boston-area millionaire Steve Belkin in a group applying for that expansion franchise. He appreciates the synergy between his two jobs; successfully running the Sting would develop Charlotte business contacts and do the NBA a favor. But he says running the Sting is no ploy.

"It's a nice platform to work from (pursuing NBA expansion), but I don't want anyone to think (the Sting) is just a jumping-off spot," Carr said.

"This is not a testing ground (for the NBA) and there's no quid pro quo involved. It's an opportunity to help."

The WNBA is owned by the NBA, which hopes to keep the Sting in Charlotte. The reigning Eastern Conference champion opens its season at the Charlotte Coliseum on Saturday night against the Los Angeles Sparks.

With the Hornets moving to New Orleans, the WNBA office has taken over the team's operation. Carr's primary task will be propping up fan and sponsor support.

"My commitment is not halfway," said Carr. "I'm there to make sure attendance is increased and sponsorships, too."