CLEVELAND, Feb. 22nd - Cub Cadet, the premium manufacturer of lawn mowers, lawn tractors and snow throwers, announced today the signing of NBA All-Star and Cleveland Cavalier LeBron James to a multi-year endorsement deal to promote a full line of new outdoor power equipment called the Cub Cadet Time Saver Family.

James will appear in a multimedia campaign, including advertising, interactive, promotions, personal appearances and point-of-sale collateral beginning this spring for the Cub Cadet brand.

“This endorsement is a natural extension of our investment in the sport of basketball, which started with our presenting sponsorship of the Cleveland Cavaliers and now has evolved into a relationship with the world’s most exciting player,” said Matt Rechin, vice president of brand management for MTD, the makers of Cub Cadet. “Not only does LeBron give us a local tie for our company, but the business proposition is that his game perfectly aligns with the brand attributes of the Time Saver Family and specifically the i1000 Zero-Turn tractor that we’re trying to extol – speed, maneuverability and durability.”

“It’s great to partner with a global company that’s local and has been a huge supporter of the Cavaliers over the years,” said LeBron James. “I’ve always believed in doing the best at what I do and Cub Cadet has those same beliefs in how they approach their products.”

Lawn equipment is a new category to LeBron’s endorsement stable, which currently includes other blue chip brands such as Coca-Cola, Nike, MSN, Bubblicious and Upper Deck, but the perennial all-star is now taking his star power from the hardwood to the backyard.

“LeBron James is the most innovative athlete in the world today,” said Rechin. “Cub Cadet, a brand that is synonymous with innovation is perfectly aligned with LeBron’s talent and passion for being the best in all things.”

The Cub Cadet Time Saver Family of products is found at The Home Depot, Tractor Supply Company and independent dealers. The i1000 is the only product on the market that offers true zero-turn capabilities with the operational ease of a traditional lawn tractor.

ABOUT CUB CADET
Since 1961, Cub Cadet has been meeting the needs of rural and suburban homeowners, while keeping one simple promise – to build it better. As the leader in premium outdoor power equipment, Cub Cadet features innovations such as zero turning radius mowers, smooth and easy automatic transmissions and the CycloCut mowing deck. Part of the MTD family, Cub Cadet has built its legacy on high-quality engineering – producing smarter, faster and tougher products. For more information, visit www.cubcadet.com.

ABOUT LEBRON JAMES
LeBron James is an internationally recognized basketball superstar who plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Selected to the NBA All-Star team every year since he joined the league as the overall No. 1 pick in the 2003 draft, James has electrified fans across the globe with his dazzling play and record-breaking achievements. He became the youngest player in NBA history to win Rookie of the Year honors and reach 7,000 points. James is also a co-captain of the U.S. Olympic basketball team. Off the court, LeBron is active in a wide range of philanthropic endeavors, including the King James Foundation. He also organizes the annual King for Kids Bike-a-thon in Akron, Ohio.