BUICK REGAL AND THE WNBA LINE UP FOR THIRD SUPERCHARGED SEASON

$1 Million Shootout centers partnership

DETROIT -- Buick's Regal brand, the largest automotive sponsor of women's basketball, is ready to tip off its third season with the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) with its most comprehensive sponsorship yet. Season-long activities begin with the RegalFest tour at inaugural WNBA games in Orlando and Minneapolis in June, peak with the Regal $1 Million Supercharged Shootout on July 14 at the first-ever WNBA All-Star Game in New York City, and conclude with the naming of the Buick Regal MVP at season's end.

"Our 1999 program builds upon Buick Regal's strong foundation in women's basketball and will generate excitement for WNBA games and the supercharged Regal," said Mark Hines, Regal brand manager. The highlight of Regal's WNBA partnership during the 1999 season will be the Buick Regal $1 Million Supercharged Shootout Sweepstakes. Consumers can enter on-line at www.regal.com or by calling toll free 1-877-WIN-REGAL between May 29 and June 21. One grand prize winner will receive a new supercharged Regal GS and a family trip for four to the WNBA All-Star Game to be played at Madison Square Garden in New York City. There, the family will have the opportunity to win more than $1 million in cash. The contest, to be broadcast live on ESPN during halftime, gives the winning family 30 seconds to:

• Make a lay-up and win $10,000,
• Make a free-throw and win $20,000, and
• Have two-time WNBA MVP Cynthia Cooper take a half court shot -- if she makes the shot, the family takes home $1,000,000.

Cooper, who is featured in a variety of Regal-WNBA activities, also will have a special coaching session with the family to prepare them for the contest.

The Buick Regal $1 Million Supercharged Shootout will be supported via the June 5 issue of TV Guide, USA Today ads and advertisements and banners on Web sites including WNBA.com.

"Buick has been an exciting partner for us and with the Regal $1 Million Supercharged Shootout and RegalFest that excitement can continue to reach our fans," said Ken Derrett, senior vice president, Marketing Partnerships for the WNBA.

Buick's trailblazing RegalFest will bring interactive basketball fun to all 12 WNBA cities between June 6 and Aug. 21. The traveling exhibit stops at WNBA arenas, malls and Buick dealerships. The wide array of basketball-related family activities includes . . .

Center Court - an adjustable full-sized court to be used for shooting contests Buzzer Beater - an arcade-type game for kids of all ages to compete against each other shooting baskets Bungee Basketball - take a run toward the basket in an inflated alley and try to dunk a ball before a bungee cord pulls you safely backward Make Your Own Card - get a basketball trading card with you as a star You Call the Play - put on the headset and call the game from WNBA footage. Take home a VCR tape with you as the announcer, complete with Regal TV spots.

Other regional programs are being planned with each team, including halftime shoot-outs for cash prizes. Decorative WNBA-logoed Regals will be on display at WNBA games and could be spotted around town during the season.

The WNBA tips off its third season on Thursday, June 10. The addition of the Orlando Miracle and Minnesota Lynx in the off-season has expanded the roster of franchises to 12 teams. Each team will play a 32-game regular season schedule with NBC, ESPN and Lifetime collectively producing 31 WNBA regular-season telecasts plus the All-Star Game and playoffs.

Regal, the largest automotive supporter of women's basketball on both the collegiate and professional levels, has been the official car of the WNBA since the league's first tip-off.

With more power and more safety features than any car in its class, Regal, Buick's sporty midsize sedan, is dubbed the official car of the Supercharged Family. "Regal is designed to provide outstanding safety and security without sacrificing power, comfort or style," said Hines. "We have a clear picture of our customers and Regal is a perfect complement to their busy lives."