NBA Finalizes Deal For Mission Products To Receive League Marketing Rights

Mission Products has finalized a deal with the NBA under which its Court Grip and Power Grip products receive league marketing rights and can be used on NBA courts when the season tips off Sunday. What the NBA is referring to as a "merchandising partnership" will allow Mission to utilize NBA marks on packaging and have its endorsers, including Heat G Dwyane Wade and Knicks F Carmelo Anthony, wear NBA uniforms in advertising. Court Grip, designed to improve contact between basketball shoes and the court, and Power Grip, said to give players a better grip on the ball, were introduced by Mission in September through an exclusive distribution arrangement with Foot Locker.