National Collegiate Athletic Association |
The NCAA News - News & FeaturesJuly 8, 1996Rawlings continues as official basketball for championshipsRawlings Sporting Goods will continue as the official basketball supplier for the NCAA Divisions I, II and III Men's and Women's Basketball Championships as a result of a new contract between the sporting goods manufacturer and the NCAA.The contract, signed in mid-June, extends the NCAA's relationship with Rawlings for five years. It is the fourth such contractual arrangement between the NCAA and Rawlings. "The NCAA recognizes what Rawlings has brought to college basketball in the past decade, as well as to our membership, and we continue to value that contribution," David E. Cawood, NCAA assistant executive director for marketing and broadcast services, said. "We value their partnership not purely in terms of dollars but also in terms of Rawlings' commitment to NCAA basketball and its vision for the future." In addition to supplying basketballs for the championships, Rawlings also will provide ball carts at all championship sites in each division. Rawlings receives the title sponsorship for the NCAA's Woman of the Year dinner and will continue to supply basketballs for the National Youth Sports Program (NYSP) and Youth Education Through Sports (YES) clinics. Rawlings' contract rights were broadened to include exclusive rights for NCAA-licensed basketball sales internationally. Also new to the most recent contract is an arrangement that will link the NCAA's Web site with Rawlings' home page on the Internet. |