THE NEW SPALDING TF-1000 ZK PRO™ IS POSITIONED FOR MARKET LEADERSHIP
-- Most Dramatic Advancements Made in a Decade to Competitive Play Ball --

ORLANDO, FL (January 17, 2005)
Unsurpassed material, incredible feel, optimal grip and proven durability collectively makeup the new Spalding TF-1000 ZK Pro, a product innovation that Spalding is lauding as the most dramatic advancement in a decade since the ZK material was first introduced in 1992.

Positioned as the premier competitive play basketball for the institutional channel, the Spalding TF-1000 ZK Pro™ is made with Spalding's exclusive ZK Microfiber Composite leather, backed with a highly durable yet elastic foam backing material for superior feel and play.

The TF-1000 ZK Pro's foam backing process enables the panels to be 30% deeper than the original ZK, making it easier for players to locate the seams while dribbling and shooting. In addition, full ball pebbling ensures optimal grip across the entire cover. The new Spalding TF-1000 ZK Pro is available at select team dealers across the country.

"When we say proven durability we can back it up," stated Bob Llewellyn, director of marketing. "Even after the 30,000 bounce test we conducted, the TF-1000 ZK Pro looks and performs like a brand new ball. Our exclusive ZK Microfiber material is a top selling material in competitive play because of its product performance within the current high school state adoptions and collegiate play. The new TF-1000 ZK Pro's unique construction, overall playability and unsurpassed quality will be the catalyst for future product growth."

The Spalding TF-1000 ZK Pro has a suggested retail price of $59.99

ABOUT SPALDING

Springfield, MA-based Spalding is a leading producer and marketer of basketballs, footballs, volleyballs and soccer balls under the Spalding brand name and softballs under the Dudley brand. Spalding is the official basketball supplier of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), the official volleyball of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and American Volleyball Association (AVA), the official soccer ball of the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) and the official football of the American Football League (AFL) and Pop Warner. Spalding was acquired by Russell Corporation in May 2003. Spalding and Russell's other business units, American Athletic (AAI) and Huffy Sports brands, collectively combined, are now part of the largest basketball equipment provider in the country. AAI is the leading seller of gymnastics equipment in the country as well as institutional basketball backboards, and Huffy Sports, is a leader in basketball backboard systems.