[chrisk]

If there was even a shadow of a doubt that a deal wouldn’t be worked out with Kate, you can bet they wouldn’t have mentioned it in the press release. Speculation on my part, but they may not have wanted to announce it as a done deal so as not to steal any attention away from Tara’s moment.

then why even mention "negotiations are underway" in this press release?

I can believe that she just made her final decision in the last day or two. A decision sooner rather than later is important for recruiting. It's possible that Muir even gave her a deadline, as hard to believe as that may be.
With all the focus on the tournaments and WBB up until today, this is an ideal time to make the announcement. Although her last official day is May 8, I'm sure she can get some time off after the press conference tomorrow.

[chrisk]

If there was even a shadow of a doubt that a deal wouldn’t be worked out with Kate, you can bet they wouldn’t have mentioned it in the press release. Speculation on my part, but they may not have wanted to announce it as a done deal so as not to steal any attention away from Tara’s moment.

then why even mention "negotiations are underway" in this press release?

I can believe that she just made her final decision in the last day or two. A decision sooner rather than later is important for recruiting. It's possible that Muir even gave her a deadline, as hard to believe as that may be.
With all the focus on the tournaments and WBB up until today, this is an ideal time to make the announcement. Although her last official day is May 8, I'm sure she can get some time off after the press conference tomorrow.