NBA SPONSOR AT&T EXTENDS DEAL TO OVERTIME WITH THREE-POINTER

     AT&T has extended its three-year old sponsorship with the
NBA with the company expected to get "more active in consumer
promotions," according to Terry Lefton in this week's BRANDWEEK.
AT&T will continue as title sponsor of All-Star Weekend's three-
point contest, and give it a new name -- AT&T Shootout.  AT&T
will also "further integrate its True Rewards frequency/loyalty
program," into its NBA sponsorship.  AT&T's first consumer
promotions are expected around February's All-Star Game, with
additional promotions following in the playoffs.  The change from
"Long Distance Shootout" indicates AT&T's support of a "wider
scope" of products and services.  As for the company's
affiliation with next year's Dream Team, AT&T will reportedly use
an NBA player spokesperson.  The company has yet to decide
whether to use one player for upcoming promos (BRANDWEEK, 11/20).
AT&T will retain exclusive domestic promtional rights in the
telecom category and its commitment on NBC and Turner (NBA).