Jan. 13, 2009

CHICAGO, IL – Wilson Sporting Goods Co. announces today that the NCAA has chosen Wilson to be the Official Soccer Ball Supplier to the NCAA starting in 2009. The Wilson NCAA Match Ball adds to the list of Wilson NCAA game ball products that have set the standard for performance in their respective sports – football, basketball and tennis. This achievement for soccer further enhances the Wilson soccer brand as one of the fastest growing soccer brands in the Americas.

“We have a long-standing partnership with the NCAA,” says Chris Considine, President, Wilson Sporting Goods Co. “To become the Official Soccer Ball of the NCAA adds credence to Wilson’s soccer brand.”  Considine goes on to say “Wilson has the product expertise and experience to manufacture a world-class NCAA Soccer Match Ball. With our resources and commitment, we will deliver an exceptional product to the NCAA and their membership institutions.”

“Wilson has been a great partner to the NCAA for some time. The quality of their products and the technology that is invested in each product is outstanding and we are thrilled to align the Wilson brand with NCAA soccer,” said Peter Davis, Director of Corporate Alliances, NCAA. “I know this is great news for Wilson and for the NCAA. We are proud to partner with Wilson and look forward to working together to grow our soccer brands.”

Wilson soccer balls are already in play at the highest level of competition in many Latin American countries.  From soccer fields in Venezuela and Brazil to a World Cup qualifier match, Wilson soccer balls are played in many leagues in Latin America, where soccer is a passion and means everything!  Wilson match balls are also the ball of choice for 13 state high school associations here in the US.

Wilson’s unique design and hand construction provides for the ultimate performance for both competitive and elite play. The premium composite leather cover is laminated to a high density foam and hand sewn for a soft touch and the ultimate control off the foot. Four layers of lining help to keep its shape under the most extreme kicks and the high-rebound butyl rubber bladder provides playability and better air retention. This is the ultimate match ball.

Chicago-based Wilson Sporting Goods Co., a division of Amer Sports, is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of sports equipment. The company designs, manufactures and distributes advanced equipment that helps players improve their performance. Wilson’s core categories include Baseball, Football, Basketball, Softball, Bats, Volleyball, Soccer, Youth Sports, Uniforms/Apparel, Golf, Footwear, and Racquet Sports (Tennis, Racquetball, Squash, Badminton and Platform Tennis).

www.Wilson.com