SPALDING UPBEAT WITH VOLLEYBALL MOMENTUM AND NEVER FLAT INTRO

SPRINGFIELD, MA (February 14, 2007) — Spalding is introducing its industry leading innovation — NEVER FLAT technology — to the outdoor volleyball market.

The new Spalding NEVER FLAT^™ King of the Beach volleyball, field tested by Karch Kiraly, a three-time Olympic gold medalist, is centered around similar technologies found in its top selling NEVER FLAT basketballs. It is the first-ever volleyball with proprietary pressure retention technologies and is guaranteed to stay inflated 10 times longer than traditional volleyballs.

"The timing is great for Spalding to bring NEVER FLAT volleyball to the outdoor market," said Bob Llewellyn, director of consumer marketing, Spalding. "We're building momentum at the grassroots level and have increased our presence at numerous high profile events. Clearly consumer acceptance of the (NEVER FLAT) technology has been positive and we're eager to see its impact in volleyball."

Since introducing the NEVER FLAT technology to the sporting goods industry, the NEVER FLAT composite basketball has been the top selling basketball since November 2005 and a NEVER FLAT soccer line launched this winter.

All products within Spalding's NEVER FLAT family (basketball, soccer and now volleyball) utilize patent pending, exclusive technologies to dramatically increase pressure retention, a first within the inflated sports category. Each NEVER FLAT product includes:

• NitroFlate Air Technology: proprietary NitroFlate^™ molecules are injected into the ball, forming a protective barrier against air seepage.
• Improved Bladder: new membrane technology tightens the natural pores in the ball's bladder to improve pressure retention.
• Valve Cap: a redesigned valve with cap eliminates leaks and keeps dirt out.

The compilation of these technologies delivers a product that maintains air pressure 10 times longer than traditional volleyballs, resulting in consistent, long-term performance.

The Spalding NEVER FLAT volleyball hits Sporting Goods store shelves in February. It has a composite leather cover and a suggested retail price of $19.99.

"Spalding is delivering a promise to consumers that they can see and touch immediately," added Llewellyn. "When consumers pick up our NEVER FLAT volleyball off the shelf, they will be fully inflated and stay that way for a long time, and that's an instant credibility factor."

About Spalding
A Division of Russell Corporation, the Spalding Group consists of three business units: Spalding in Springfield, MA; American Athletic, Inc. (AAI) in Jefferson, IA; and Spalding Backboards in Sussex, WI. The three companies, collectively combined, are the largest basketball equipment supplier in the world. Spalding is the official basketball of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), the official backboard of the NBA and NCAA, the official volleyball of the King of the Beach Volleyball Tour and the official football of the Arena Football League (AFL) and Pop Warner. In addition to being the leading producer and marketer of basketballs, footballs, volleyballs and soccer balls, Springfield, MA-based Spalding produces softballs under the Dudley brand. For more information, visit www.spalding.com.

Media Inquiries: Contact Lynn Luczkowski, 413-478-1569 or lluczkowski@spalding.com