HAVE A BALL ON PLANET REEBOK: FIRST STEP INTO TEAM SPORTS

     Reebok has entered the inflatable ball category through a
licensing deal with KY-based Hutch, according to SPORTING GOODS
BUSINESS.  Company officials say the move is the first step
toward expanding into team sports and hard goods.  Reebok-branded
volleyball, basketball and soccer balls debut this fall, all in
"mid to upper price points."  Footballs will follow "some time
after."   The positioning and marketing of the Reebok line will
be different to that of Nike's.  Nike and its ball licensee, Voit
Sports Int'l, priced balls "considerably higher" than market
leaders Spalding and Wilson, and chose not to seek affiliations
or supply deals with major teams and leagues.  Reebok VP of
Sports Equipment and Licensing John Frascotti said price and
exposure will be the main components of Reebok's marketing
strategy (SPORTING GOODS BUSINESS, 5/96 issue).