Above the Rim Announces the Signing of Rising NBA Player Martell Webster

Webster First Player To Sign With Above The Rim As Brand Prepares For Re-Launch With Emphasis On Achievements Both On And Off The Court

Englewood, Colorado – (BUSINESS WIRE) – May 28, 2010 -- Above The Rim (ATR), a performance basketball brand founded in 1989, is being re-launched this year by Collective Licensing International, LLC (CLI) with a new positioning focused on the next generation of young, exciting basketball players that truly “rise above” challenges both on and off the court.  The brand realizes that in today’s world there are more challenges than ever to achieving goals and dreams and, as a result, believes that these challenges can only be overcome through toughness, a dedication to hard work and with the support of those around you.  This belief is best represented by the brand’s essence statement of “Elevate Your Game.  Elevate Your Team.  Elevate Yourself.  Above The Rim.”  Throughout 2010 the brand will focus all of its product and marketing efforts on supporting and telling the stories of players that are currently working hard to realize their goals as well as those who have already made significant accomplishments.

In support of this brand positioning, ATR has signed a multi-year endorsement contract with rising NBA player Martell Webster. A shooting guard for the Portland Trailblazers, Martell was one of the most talented young players in the nation coming out of high school and was selected to Mcdonald’s All-American team, Parade Magazine’s All American First Team and USA Today’s Preseason Super 25.  He was one of ten finalists for the Naismith Award, an honor that each year goes to the nation’s top high school player.  In the 2005 NBA draft, Martell was selected by Portland in the first round and was the sixth overall pick. His NBA career has seen consistent increases in scoring, rebounding and assists and, Martell has become one of the most explosive young players in the league.  Off the court, Martell has also shown strength and determination in rising above significant challenges in his life when he was a young player growing up in the Seattle area.

“For me, the opportunity to help re-launch a brand that stands for things that are important to me as a player and as a person is unique,” said Martell Webster.  “Above The Rim is dedicated to producing the performance product I need on the court and to creating opportunities for the next generation to rise up and realize their own dreams.”

VP of Brand Management for ATR Eric Dreyer commented, “Above The Rim has always been a brand that understands players.  Understands that it takes toughness, a willingness to sacrifice, and heart to make it both on and off the court.  Through his dedication to becoming a better player, his ability to overcome personal challenges when he was young and his willingness to help others, Martell has shown the he embraces these same values. We are excited to be partnering with Martell as we re-launch the brand and look forward to working with him in the years to come.”

In the coming months, ATR expects to announce licensing partnerships and additional athlete endorsements as it readies for a brand re-launch later this year.

About Collective Licensing International, LLC

Collective Licensing International, a subsidiary of Collective Brands, Inc. (NYSE:PSS), was formed in January 2004 and is the owner and/or license operator of Airwalk®, Above The Rim®, Vision Street Wear®, Clinch Gear™, STRIKEFORCE™, Sims®, Lamar® and LTD®, World Snowboarding Championships™, genetic®, Dukes™, Rage®, Ultra-Wheels®, and Hind®.  Collective Licensing International is based in Englewood, Colorado.  www.collectiveintl.com http://www.collectiveintl.com/