CAMDEN , S.C, April 10, 2006 – The National Basketball Association and Haier today announced a strategic partnership to expand Haier’s global brand presence and reinforce its leadership position in China. China’s vice premier Madam Wu Yi joined NBA Commissioner David Stern, Haier Vice Chairman Wu Kesong and Haier America President and CEO Michael Jemal for a first of its kind announcement at Haier’s factory in Camden, South Carolina.

China ’s largest manufacturer of appliances and high-definition television sets will utilize the NBA’s broad array of marketing assets, media, and on-ground initiatives to showcase its innovative technology in the United States and China.

The Official Partner of High Definition Televisions for the NBA, Haier will launch a new line of high-definition television sets in the U.S. The NBA will showcase these and Haier’s other state-of-the-art products throughout all of its extensive media assets including NBA TV’s high definition programming, high-profile NBA events, and extensive NBA-themed retail promotions.

The two companies will reinforce their brand leadership in China through a co-branded advertising campaign that will run throughout the league’s extensive television programming broadcasts on 24 TV networks across the mainland. Haier’s products and interactive promotions will also be featured on NBA.com/China and in NBA’s grassroots events and tours across China.

“We’re delighted to partner with Haier, China’s preeminent consumer product brand, to showcase its innovative, high-quality products to the NBA’s broad and passionate fan base in the US, China and globally,” said Stern. “Haier’s HDTV televisions will surely provide NBA fans with an enhanced viewing experience.”

"Haier and the NBA share leadership positions in their respective fields, and we look forward to working with the league as we continue our expansion of product offerings such as High Definition TV's in the United States," said Jemal.

Haier and the NBA share a commitment to improving the lives of young people through community outreach programs. Haier’s Project Hope and NBA Cares will team up to leverage the wide popularity of basketball combined with Haier’s extensive reach in China, to develop and implement community-based initiatives in this area.