"Several" NBA teams will update their uniforms next
season, according to SPORTING GOODS BUSINESS. Teams include
the Pacers, Knicks, 76ers, Nets, Warriors and Hornets.
...Wall Street "is abuzz" with rumors that The Gap will
carry Converse footwear. A Gap spokesperson told SGB "she
had heard nothing about it"....The "word out of Portland,
OR" is that Fila has "been drawing heavily" on Nike talent
to staff its newly opened design and product development
center in that city. Fila is also "searching" for a new
"high profile endorser" for a line of signature shoes next
summer....Chicago-based basketball apparel maker Ball'N is
introducing a full-line of basketball and cross training
shoes at the fall '97 Super Show in Atlanta to retail for
$65-75. Former Lakers G Norm Nixon owns "a stake" in the
company, along with 90% co-Owners Rodney Jeter and Mark
Nixon. Jeter said the company expects to sign five NBA
players by the start of next season and he said one player
is already signed, but there won't be an announcement until
his current footwear contract expires (SGB, 1/6 issue).
