NBA PROPERTIES TO PURSUE NEW MARKETING CATEGORIES

     David Schreff, President of NBA Properties Marketing and
Media Group, says the league is looking to sign new corporate
sponsorship deals in order to gain "virgin retail space,"
according to BRANDWEEK.  Terry Lefton writes NBAP is after
categories such as "sweet and salty snacks," "photo," and
"batteries" to generate point-of-purchase displays in grocery and
convenient stores.  Auto parts and hardware/home improvement
stores and gas stations are also "targets."  The NBA is pursuing
the tool/power tool category, insurance, tires and courier.
FedEx and Kraft are Dream Team sponsors likely to be courted by
the NBA.  Other "likely re-ups" include Castrol and Schick.
Schreff told BRANDWEEK, "We have 16 sponsors and three footwear
companies; around two dozen [sponsors] is our maximum"
(BRANDWEEK, 6/17 issue).