CHAMPION'S NBA ON-COURT AGREEMENT NEARS EXPIRATION

     Champion, the NBA's exclusive jersey supplier and licensee
since '89, is the only brand which NBA players can wear on the
court or on the bench.  But that deal expires on July 31 of next
year, possibly opening the door for Nike, Reebok or Starter to
gain some NBA court presence, according to SPORTING GOODS
BUSINESS.  The NBA says an announcement will "likely" be made at
some point this summer, but many insiders predict that even if
Champion retains its exclusive on replica jerseys, the brand may
have to share licenses on some on-court products like shooting
shirts and practice caps (Andy Bernstein, SGB, 8/96 issue).
     STARTER OVER:  SGB notes Russell and Starter's exclusive
rights on MLB player jerseys and coaches jackets "likely will not
be renewed."  Nike and Reebok will soon be named Authentic
Diamond Collection licensees (SGB, 8/96).