REEBOK STEPPING UP ABL SPONSORSHIP

          Reebok International has expanded its sponsorship and
     marketing program with the ABL by signing a deal to become
     the league's official footwear and apparel sponsor.  As a
     founding sponsor, Reebok outfitted four of the eight teams
     in the league's inaugural '96-97 season.  Starting next
     season, Reebok will provide uniforms, warm-ups and practice
     apparel to all nine teams.  Reebok will also provide
     footwear to ABL players "lacking" shoe endorsements with
     other brands.  The deal gives Reebok advertising exclusivity
     in the athletic footwear and apparel category for programs
     and arena signage.  Reebok will also increase its offering
     of ABL licensed apparel to include replica jerseys, shooting
     shirts, warm-ups, T-shirts and hats (Reebok).  The deal is
     for three years and is worth "more than $1 million annually"
     (Bruce Berlet, HARTFORD COURANT, 4/25).