BARBIE A MULTI-SPORT ATHLETE: MATTEL ALIGNS WITH FIFA WOMEN

          Mattel has signed a deal with the '99 FIFA Women's
     World Cup Organizing Committee to become a major licensee of
     the Women's World Cup in '99.  In conjunction with the deal,
     Mattel will release a Women's World Cup Barbie doll later
     this year.  U.S. team star Mia Hamm will be a spokesperson
     for the Women's World Cup soccer Barbie doll.  Hamm will
     appear on the packaging for the doll and in advertising for
     Mattel.  Other sports-themed Barbies include the WNBA Barbie
     and Olympic Skater Barbie (Mattel).  According to a WALL
     STREET JOURNAL staff report, sources say Mattel has agreed
     to spend "more than" $1M to advertise the doll and to become
     a licensee of the event, which will be held in seven U.S.
     cities in June of '99 (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 4/28).