Reebok and NBA team up in Asia apparel deal

The brand, which in recent years has lagged Nike and adidas in regional marketing energy, will work with the NBA to design, manufacture, sell and market official NBA wear, including jerseys and shorts, caps, practice wear, off-court lifestyle apparel and accessories. The partnership marks the first time the NBA has teamed up with one apparel maker for the entire region. The deal is an extension of an exclusive 10-year partnership between the two formed in the US in 2001.

NBA Asia vice-president and managing director, Mike Denzel, said: "We have a history with Reebok which will be a benefit, and (partnering with one company) will give us economies of scale."

The pair have launched the new apparel line in Hong Kong and China and will roll out in Japan, Taiwan, India, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and Korea during the 2003-04 NBA season. The growing popularity of Asian stars like Yao Ming in the NBA, is expected to help the new line. Sales of Reebok International products hit US$321 million in the first quarter of this year, up 10 per cent over 2002's first quarter.