SPALDING COMMITTED TO INTEGRITY OF THE GAME
Responds to the NBA’s Plans to Switch Back to Leather Basketball
SPRINGFIELD, MA December 11, 2006
Spalding, the largest basketball equipment supplier in the world, and the official basketball supplier of the National Basketball Association (NBA), issued the following response based on NBA commissioner David Stern’s decision to switch back to the old leather model for all games starting Jan. 1.

"Spalding's main objective is to uphold the integrity of the game of basketball," stated Spalding Group President and CEO Scott Creelman. "For 130 years, Spalding's commitment has been and remains providing the best players in the world with the best product for the game. We believe the micro fiber composite ball offers many superior characteristics to leather however we firmly support any decision that improves player satisfaction. We will work closely with the NBA to ensure a smooth transition and to determine the best product going forward."

Product Specific Questions:
Please contact Consumer Relations at 1-800-SPALDING or consumerrelations@spalding.com

Media Contacts:
Please contact Lynn Luczkowski, Spalding, 860-313-1426, lynn@l2comm.net