CHAMPION FEELS LIKE A CHAMP WITH NBA SALES

     Expanded on-court NBA offerings have helped Champion
increase its NBA sales by 50% this year, according to SPORTING
GOODS BUSINESS.  New items -- shooting shirts, authentic jerseys
and toddler replicas -- have added to Champion's "already
powerful" replica jersey line.  And while many retailers have not
chosen to sell the new offerings, or have done so only recently,
those who started early have reported "positive results."  The
NBA forecasts a strong future for the shooting shirt, which
debuted in February.  While the new products represent a small
portion of the on-court category, Champion officials say most of
its NBA growth has come from the new items.  The added business
comes at a time when other licensees are reportedly "struggling"
with NBA products.  Champion's licensed product division has also
reported a 70% growth in NFL sales and a 65% increase in
collegiate apparel (SGB, 5/96 issue).