Gatorade Adds Rookie Sonics Sensation Kevin Durant to All-Star Athlete Lineup

Marks first time that Gatorade Signs a NBA Rookie Athlete

CHICAGO (September 27, 2007) - The Gatorade Company, a division of PepsiCo, announced today a new partnership with Kevin Durant of the Seattle Sonics, making him the first NBA rookie athlete ever signed by the Company. The association links one of the most exciting young athletes to hit the hardwood in years to a brand with a dynamic history of celebrating the commitment, passion and character of top athletes.

“Gatorade has been part of my game for a long time and I am excited that I will now officially be part of their team,” said Durant. “Not only is it an honor to follow in the footsteps of great Gatorade athletes like Michael Jordan, Kevin Garnett and Dwyane Wade, but just as important is Gatorade's commitment to sports performance. It's a big transition from college to the demanding pro basketball season so having Gatorade by my side will help me perform my best.”

Durant, second overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, was the first-ever college freshman to be named National Player of the Year. The University of Texas standout also led the Big 12 in scoring, rebounding and blocked shots during the 2006-2007 season. He will play small forward for the Sonics.

“We at Gatorade, like many other basketball fans, are looking forward to Kevin's professional debut,” said Scott Paddock, Gatorade director of sports marketing. “Our decision to sign Kevin was influenced as much by Kevin's class and character as his accomplishments on the basketball court. We are extremely excited to include Kevin among the select group of world-class Gatorade athletes.”

In addition to Jordan, Wade and Garnett, Durant joins superstar athletes Peyton Manning, Derek Jeter, Mia Hamm, Matt Kenseth, Jimmie Johnson, Sydney Crosby, Maria Sharapova, Kerri Walsh, Abby Wambach, Kristine Lilly and Landon Donovan among others in the Gatorade athlete family.

The multi-year partnership was completed by Scott Paddock, Gatorade Director of Sports Marketing and Eric Goodwin, President of Goodwin Sports Management.

About Gatorade
Gatorade® Thirst Quencher, the nation's leading sports drink, is backed by 40 years of research. Gatorade is scientifically formulated and athletically proven to quench thirst, replace fluids and electrolytes and provide carbohydrate energy to enhance athletic performance. The Gatorade Company is part of QTG (Quaker, Tropicana, Gatorade) and is a division of PepsiCo, Inc. For more information, please visit www.gatorade.com .

Source: PepsiCo